A Robotic Legend Is Reborn To Energy New EVs

Lengthy earlier than there was Optimus, there was Asimo. 

Not lots of people know this, however Honda was really experimenting with humanoid robots way back to the mid-Eighties. They had been type of like packing containers filled with circuitry on legs that grew to become increasingly humanlike over time till the massive breakthrough got here in 2000 with Asimo: the Superior Step in Revolutionary Mobility robotic. He seemed like a toddler in an astronaut go well with 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 facility work like Tesla CEO claims the Optimus robotic might be someday, Honda realized rather a lot about human-machine interplay till Asimo was retired in 2018.

Now, he is again—in a way of talking. At CES 2025, Honda introduced that its first in-house software program system for its upcoming 0 Sequence electrical automobiles might be referred to as Asimo OS. And that system will energy every little thing from the administration of digital management models to the infotainment system to automated driving tech. 

Picture by: Honda

“Using the Asimo title pays homage to the beloved Honda Asimo robotic and the ‘Sensible’ worth of the Honda 0 Sequence,” Honda mentioned 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 era of 0 Sequence fashions within the late 2020s, in addition to a brand new vitality service by means of the Dwelling Vitality Administration System to allow clients to get pleasure from a stress-free EV possession expertise with decreased environmental influence.”

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 a couple of robust gamers like Rivian and Tesla (the latter originated this concept), it has been type of slow-going throughout the board.

However the integration of Asimo OS reveals how significantly Honda is taking its next-generation EVs: Every part might be constructed in-house, vertically built-in, managed by Honda straight and upgradeable over time. So the 0 Sequence Saloon, SUV and others within the household are extra than simply new EVs—they characterize a Tesla-like end-to-end software program and know-how expertise.  

As we have lined beforehand, the 0 Sequence and Honda’s EV “hubs” in Ohio and Canada characterize a type of do-over technique for an automaker that is now lagging behind China’s automobile corporations in not solely electrification but in addition software program. These ideas intention to maneuver Honda past the wonderful gasoline engines which have outlined it for thus lengthy and switch it into a world 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 looking for to make this high-tech transition. Including to the complication is a lately 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 may occur in the event that they’re formally beneath one roof. 

Asimo OS will come outfitted on all 0 Sequence Honda fashions, together with manufacturing fashions of the Honda 0 SUV and Honda 0 Saloon unveiled at CES right this moment. These automobiles are confirmed to start out manufacturing in 2026 in Ohio, and world gross sales will observe. 

Contact the writer: [email protected]