Lengthy earlier than there was Optimus, there was Asimo.
Not lots of people know this, however Honda was truly experimenting with humanoid robots way back to the mid-Eighties. They had been sort of like bins stuffed with circuitry on legs that grew to become an increasing number of humanlike over time till the large breakthrough got here in 2000 with Asimo: the Superior Step in Revolutionary Mobility robotic. He seemed like a baby in an astronaut swimsuit and will do all kinds of issues, from kicking a ball to creating you a drink. Whereas Asimo was by no means destined for manufacturing unit work like Tesla CEO claims the Optimus robotic might be in the future, Honda discovered rather a lot about human-machine interplay till Asimo was retired in 2018.
Now, he is again—in a fashion of talking. At CES 2025, Honda introduced that its first in-house software program system for its upcoming 0 Sequence electrical autos might be referred to as Asimo OS. And that system will energy every thing from the administration of digital management items to the infotainment system to automated driving tech.
Picture by: Honda
“The usage of the Asimo identify pays homage to the beloved Honda Asimo robotic and the ‘Clever’ worth of the Honda 0 Sequence,” Honda stated in a information launch. “Moreover, Honda introduced an settlement with Renesas Electronics Company to develop a high-performance system-on-chip, to be launched on the subsequent technology of 0 Sequence fashions within the late 2020s, in addition to a brand new power service by the House Power Administration System to allow clients to get pleasure from a stress-free EV possession expertise with lowered environmental impression.”
Picture by: Honda
Maybe most significantly, this method will make the 0 Sequence EVs able to over-the-air updates, permitting Honda so as to add new options and even repair points with software program downloads. All the auto trade is bullish on this functionality because it permits producers to make automobiles “higher” over time, however moreover just a few robust gamers like Rivian and Tesla (the latter originated this concept), it has been sort of slow-going throughout the board.
However the integration of Asimo OS reveals how severely Honda is taking its next-generation EVs: Every little thing might be constructed in-house, vertically built-in, managed by Honda instantly and upgradeable over time. So the 0 Sequence Saloon, SUV and others within the household are extra than simply new EVs—they symbolize a Tesla-like end-to-end software program and expertise expertise.
As we have coated beforehand, the 0 Sequence and Honda’s EV “hubs” in Ohio and Canada symbolize a sort of do-over technique for an automaker that is now lagging behind China’s automotive firms in not solely electrification but in addition software program. These ideas intention to maneuver Honda past the superb gasoline engines which have outlined it for thus lengthy and switch it into a worldwide powerhouse for in-car software program and electrical mobility.
Whether or not Honda can get there or not stays as unsure because it does for any so-called “conventional” automaker in search of to make this high-tech transition. Including to the complication is a not too long ago introduced plan for Honda and Nissan to merge, and whereas these two had already been engaged on a brand new technical partnership, it is unclear what would possibly occur in the event that they’re formally underneath one roof.
Asimo OS will come geared up on all 0 Sequence Honda fashions, together with manufacturing fashions of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon unveiled at CES at this time. These automobiles are confirmed to start out manufacturing in 2026 in Ohio, and world gross sales will observe.
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