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 truly experimenting with humanoid robots way back to the mid-Nineteen Eighties. They have been sort of like containers stuffed with circuitry on legs that grew to become increasingly humanlike over time till the large breakthrough got here in 2000 with Asimo: the Superior Step in Progressive Mobility robotic. He appeared like a toddler in an astronaut go well with and will do all types 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 will likely be in the future, Honda discovered so much 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 Collection electrical automobiles will likely 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. 

Photograph by: Honda

“The usage of the Asimo identify pays homage to the beloved Honda Asimo robotic and the ‘Sensible’ worth of the Honda 0 Collection,” 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 Collection fashions within the late 2020s, in addition to a brand new vitality service via the Dwelling Power Administration System to allow prospects to take pleasure in a stress-free EV possession expertise with lowered environmental impression.”

Photograph by: Honda

Maybe most significantly, this method will make the 0 Collection EVs able to over-the-air updates, permitting Honda so as to add new options and even repair points with software program downloads. The whole auto trade is bullish on this functionality because it permits producers to make automobiles “higher” over time, however in addition to a number of sturdy 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 critically Honda is taking its next-generation EVs: Every thing will likely be constructed in-house, vertically built-in, managed by Honda instantly and upgradeable over time. So the 0 Collection 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 lined beforehand, the 0 Collection 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 automobile firms in not solely electrification but in addition software program. These ideas intention to maneuver Honda past the wonderful fuel 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 searching 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 would possibly occur in the event that they’re formally below one roof. 

Asimo OS will come geared up on all 0 Collection 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 begin manufacturing in 2026 in Ohio, and international gross sales will comply with. 

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