Honda robot conducts itself with aplomb

THE lights dimmed, the sold-out hall grew hushed and out walked the conductor — shiny, white and 4ft 3in.

ASIMO, a robot designed by car giant Honda, met its latest challenge: 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.