OH, THOSE CRAZY ROBOTS!

Have you heard about the amazing ASIMO - a walking robot created by Honda?  Last night this four foot robot conducted the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to a rousing reception from the audience.  ASIMO conducted "Dream the Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha".  As it conducted, the robot perfectly mimicked the actions of a conductor, nodding its head at various sections and gesturing with one or both hands.  

As ASIMO took a final bow he told the crowd, "It is absolutely thrilling to perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.  This is a magnificant concert hall."

ASIMO has its limitations. It couldn't interact with musicians, instead it was programmed to mimic the regular human conductor.

Video of the performance hasn't been made available yet, but here's a commercial for the robot so you can see what he looks like.  Click here.