Robot to conduct symphony orchestra

Will Smith had reason to worry in I, Robot, and it appears we do too. On May 13, Honda's ASIMO ("Advanced Step in Innovative MObility") robot will be given a conducting baton to lead Yo Yo Ma and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Honda favourite "Impossible Dream" from the musical Man of La Mancha - a sure sign that humans will become redundant and possibly reduced to robot slaves in no time (here's to hoping they assign me to Johnny-Five's prison camp and not the Daleks).

According to Wired, the history-making and rather ironic event (Japanese car manufacturer's creation performing in the Motor City!) will take place at the Detroit School of Arts beginning at 8:00 p.m., with a masterclass taking place afterwards.

In addition, Honda plans to donate one million smackers to the Orchestra's educational fund, as well as team up to offer "training in string instruments, a scholarship program, an educational concert series, support for live classical performances and a fundraiser."