Honda has tested a 49-foot replica of their ASIMO humanoid robot, that’s 12 times the height of the original. The animated replica will be a guest of honor at the 120th Rose Parade as well as kick off Honda’s 50th anniversary of U.S. operations.

The creation called “Hats Off in Celebration” will be completed with natural materials like lettuce seed, rice, carnations and strawflower. The float will be joined by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Band, a past participant in the Honda Battle of the Bands featuring the music programs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

A few members of the band will ride on the float, which will be immediately followed by the entire marching band. In addition, during the parade the FCX Clarity pace car will be accompanied by the Honda Super Cub motorcycle, the first model sold in the U.S.

For more information about Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot, head on over to honda.com and make sure to check out the official Honda YouTube channel.

Remember the news about the plans to let Honda’s humanoid robot ASIMO conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra? It looks like he did a good job:

More cool videos can be found at the brand new official Honda YouTube channel. Like this one, where ASIMO Dances at Kennedy Space Center.

Thanks to Lauren Ebner at Honda!

At May 13 Honda’s humanoid robot ASIMO will be conducting the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performs “Impossible Dream” to open a special concert performance with renowned cellist Yo-Yo.

Honda hopes ASIMO’s appearance will draw attention to the DSO’s nationally acclaimed youth music programs, and particularly DSO’s effort to encourage and support involvement of children in Detroit.

In addition, ASIMO will demonstrate its unique capabilities for hundreds of area school children at 10:45 a.m., May 14, prior to a specially arranged master class at the DSO, where a select group of music students will receive personal music instruction from Yo-Yo Ma. Students from the Detroit School of Arts (DSA) will participate in the master class on-stage in front of the audience of area children, which will include a group of young students from neighboring Windsor, Canada.

Read more about the event in the official press release from Honda.

(Via Prylfeber)