Robot Leads Detroit Symphony

The lights dimmed, the sold-out hall grew hushed and out walked the conductor — shiny, white, 4 feet 3 inches tall.

ASIMO, a robot designed by Honda Motor Co., met its latest challenge Tuesday evening: Conducting the Detroit Symphony in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha."

"Hello, everyone," ASIMO said to the audience in a childlike voice, then waved to the orchestra.

As it conducted, it perfectly mimicked the actions of a conductor, nodding its head at various sections and gesturing with one or both hands. ASIMO took a final bow to enthusiastic shouts from the audience.

"It is absolutely thrilling to perform with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. This is a magnificent concert hall," ASIMO said.

A four-foot tall ASIMO is scheduled to conduct the Detroit Symphony Tuesday evening in a concert featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. ASIMO will conduct Mitch Leigh's "Impossible Dream," a song from the musical "Man of La Mancha."

Honda Motor Co. designed ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. Honda has been developing walking robots since 1986. The latest version of ASIMO debuted last year.

ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and respond to simple voice commands, but Honda says this is the first time ASIMO has ever conducted an orchestra.

ASIMO can't respond to the players, but will be mimicking the actions of a conductor who was videotaped beforehand.