'ASIMO Honda,' World's Most Advanced Humanoid Robot, Arrives at the California Science Center in Los Angeles

- Public Demonstrations Slated for This Weekend -

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 12 -- More than 350 Los Angeles-area elementary and middle school students got a first-hand look at ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot, at the California Science Center on Thursday morning as part of the "Say Hello to ASIMO" North American Educational Tour, a traveling demonstration designed to introduce the public to ASIMO and encourage students to study robotics and science. Public demonstrations will be held on Saturday, Feb. 14 at 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15 at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative MObility) was developed by Honda Motor Co., Ltd., a world leader in advanced mobility technology. Each presentation will include a 25-minute high-tech demonstration of ASIMO's technical abilities, including walking forward and backward, turning smoothly, maintaining balance, dancing and even climbing stairs. Admission to demonstration and the museum are both free. Tickets will be distributed at the California Science Center on a first-come, first-served basis on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 10 AM each day. Parking is $6 per car.

"Honda has a longstanding commitment to supporting youth, science and education, and we are pleased that this ASIMO tour can further this effort," said Koichi Amemiya, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. Honda believes that the ASIMO tour will provide a unique opportunity for students to experience a humanoid robot up close, and that young people who witness ASIMO will be encouraged to study sciences such as math, engineering, physics and computer science.

Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986. "ASIMO was created for the purpose of someday helping people in need," said Amemiya. ASIMO can walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, climb stairs and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. ASIMO has two arms and two hands, which ease such tasks as reaching for and grasping objects, switching lights on and off or opening and closing doors.

"ASIMO began as a dream for Honda engineers, but all engineering starts with basic science," said Amemiya. "We believe that people who are interested and engaged in the study of science from a young age will be inspired to pursue their own dreams."

Web Site and Teacher Resources

The ASIMO North American Educational Tour features an educational Web site, accessible at www.honda.com , where visitors can learn more about robotics and follow ASIMO on tour across North America. In addition, teachers can download classroom materials and parents can find information about robotics-related educational activities for the home.

Tour Schedule

For a current tour schedule and for more information on ASIMO, please visit the ASIMO North American Educational Tour Web site at www.honda.com .

About Honda

Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines and personal watercraft. This diverse product line-up has also made Honda the world's preeminent engine-maker, with production of more than 15 million engines globally in 2002. On a global basis, Honda has more than 110 manufacturing facilities in 31 nations.

Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982. Honda now employs more than 21,000 Americans in the design, manufacture and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 11 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.

About the California Science Center

The California Science Center, located in historic Exposition Park, is a destination for learners of all ages -- from families to school groups to young-at-heart adults. Discover the science in everyday life through more than 100 interactive exhibits, or watch a film on an IMAX screen seven stories high. Permanent exhibit galleries -- World of Life, Creative World and Air and Space Gallery -- explore life sciences, human innovation and powered flight. Discovery rooms provide young children with hands-on activities based on themes found in the main galleries. For more information about the California Science Center, visit www.californiasciencecenter.org .