Honda’s quest to build the world’s most useful robot

HONDA’S human-shaped robot can now run faster, balance itself on uneven surfaces, hop on one foot and pour a drink.

Some of its technology may even be used to help out with clean-up operations at the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant.

Honda’s demonstration of the revamped “Asimo” yesterday at its Tokyo suburban research facility was not only to prove that the bubble- headed, childlike machine was more limber and a bit smarter.