Mickey Welcomes ASIMO to Disneyland's 50th Anniversary; Honda's Humanoid Robat has a new "home" inside the Park

All-New Robotics Stage Show Opens as Part of Milestone Celebration
Anaheim, Ca

© Walt Disney Company

June 1, 2005 – Mickey Mouse today welcomed ASIMO, the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, to its new home in the Honda ASIMO Theater, inside Disneyland park. Guests visiting the popular Innoventions attraction at the park can now see ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) in an all-new live science show, Say ‘Hello’ to Honda’s ASIMO, opening June 2 as part of the theme park’s 50th Anniversary celebration.

Park guests will see ASIMO interact with a live host and operate in a modern home environment by using all of its unique technological capabilities, such as walking forward and backward, climbing and descending a flight of stairs and taking direction from a person. The 15-minute high-tech demonstration is designed to offer visitors a glimpse into a not-too-distant future when humanoid robots, like ASIMO, will assist humans in their homes.

“We are excited to showcase ASIMO’s remarkable capabilities in Innoventions at Disneyland, where visitors gain first-hand experience with cutting-edge technologies,” said Koichi Kondo, president and CEO of American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Our hope is that ASIMO will inspire young people to dream of what technology will make possible in the future.”

"We are very pleased to welcome ASIMO and Honda to Disneyland as we celebrate the park’s 50th anniversary. Walt Disney always looked for creative ways to showcase the latest technology to guests, so Innoventions is the perfect place to demonstrate ASIMO’s advanced abilities," said Matt Ouimet, president of the Disneyland Resort.

Say ‘Hello’ to Honda’s ASIMO shows will take place several times daily in the brand new Honda ASIMO Theater in Disneyland, the only permanent installation of ASIMO in North America. More information about ASIMO and the Say ‘Hello’ to Honda’s ASIMO show is available at asimo.honda.com.
About Innoventions
Located in the heart of Tomorrowland at Disneyland, Innoventions continuously transforms itself to represent the ever-changing world of technology. Here, Disney celebrates the breakthroughs in science and technology that inspire us in the new millennium -- everything fromexploratory medicine to personal global communications to the ultimate in home entertainment. At Innoventions, guests are entertained while they discover tomorrow's technology today through hands-on experiences that activate the imagination and renew our hope for a better tomorrow.

About ASIMO

ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) is the world’s most advanced humanoid robot, with the ability to climb stairs, walk forward and backward, turn smoothly without pausing, and maintain balance while walking on uneven slopes and surfaces. Honda engineers began developing a humanoid robot in 1986 for the purpose of someday helping people in need. After years of research and development, they created an advanced humanoid robot able to function in real-world environments. ASIMO has two arms and two hands, which ease such tasks as reaching for and grasping objects, switching lights on and off, or opening and closing doors.

ASIMO made its U.S. debut February 14, 2002, when it rang the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.’s listing on the NYSE. ASIMO has since completed two national tours in which the robot was demonstrated for more than 130,000 people at top science and technology museums and engineering and computer science universities across North America.

About Honda

Honda is one of the world's leading producers of mobility products including its diverse line-up of automobiles, motorcycles and ATVs, power products, marine engines and personal

watercraft. This diverse product line-up has also made Honda the world's preeminent engine-maker, with annual worldwide production of more than 19 million engines. On a global basis, Honda has more than 120 manufacturing facilities in 30 nations.

Honda began operations in North America in 1959 with the establishment of American Honda Motor Co., Inc., Honda's first overseas subsidiary. Honda began assembling motorcycles in America in 1979, with U.S. automobile manufacturing starting in 1982. Honda now employs more than 26,000 Americans in the design, manufacture and marketing of its products in America. Honda currently builds products in 12 manufacturing plants in North America, with three major R&D centers in the U.S.

About Disneyland Resort

Adored by families around the world, Disneyland has welcomed more than 500 million guests since its introduction, hailing from all 50 states and virtually every country on the globe. The Disneyland guest roster over the past five decades includes a host of dignitaries and celebrities.

The 18-month “Happiest Homecoming On Earth” that launched on May 5, 2005 is part of a global salute to the 50th anniversary of Disneyland highlighted by the premiere of new entertainment spectaculars and innovative attractions at Disneyland Resort, California; Walt Disney World Resort, Florida; Tokyo Disney Resort, Japan; and Disneyland Resort Paris in France and culminating with the opening of Hong Kong Disneyland (September 12, 2005). The first of its kind global celebration marks the largest worldwide debut of new Disney theme park attractions and entertainment ever unveiled.