Honda’s P Series Robots – Foundation of Humanoid Robots

Robot Name: P Series (P1, P2, P3, P4)

Company / Institute: Honda

Location: Japan

Inception: 1993

End: 2000

Sensors: Visual Sensors (Cameras), Gyroscope Sensors, Floor Surface Sensors, Joint Angle Sensors

Skills: Walking, climbing stairs, navigating uneven terrain, basic object manipulation, balance control

Industry: Robotics Research & Development

Programming Languages: C++, Embedded C

Commercial availability: Not available commercially, used for R&D

Honda’s P-Series robots represent a crucial step in the evolution of humanoid robots. Developed between 1993 and 2000, the P-Series includes P1, P2, P3 and P4 models, each progressively refining Honda’s vision of a walking humanoid robot. These robots focused on achieving stable bipedal motion, laying the groundwork for later creations like ASIMO.

P-Series introduced advanced walking algorithms that enabled the robots to navigate uneven surfaces, climb stairs, and maintain balance in dynamic environments. Although they were never intended for commercial use, these robots became instrumental in demonstrating the feasibility of humanoid robots in both research and public showcases, propelling Honda into the spotlight of robotic innovation.

Images credits – Vanillase, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“The information in this blog is sourced from publicly available resources online.”

These series of Honda’s robots was preceded by E series and succeeded by one of the most popular humanoid robots ‘ASIMO’.

• The first model of P series P1 in 1993 had legs and hands attached to a torso being able to perform basic tasks
• P2 model debuted in 1996 is considered as the first self-regulating, two legged walking robot
• P3 near 1997 end was introduced as the first completely independent bi-pedal humanoid walking robot
• P4 in the year 2000 had reduced weight, added degrees of freedom and better looks

Technology:

The P-Series robots employed cutting-edge technologies for the time, including advanced gyroscopic systems for balance control and high-torque actuators for smooth joint movements. Vision sensors allowed basic environment recognition, while robust control algorithms enabled precise, human-like movements. Each iteration in the series reduced size and weight, making the robots more agile and practical for real-world applications.

Programming Language (s):

The P-Series robots were programmed primarily in C++ and Embedded C, allowing real-time control of sensors and actuators. The codebase focused on motion control algorithms, ensuring seamless interaction between sensors and motors for tasks like walking, running, and navigating obstacles.

Current use:

The P-Series robots are no longer in active use. However, they remain significant milestones displayed in Honda’s archives and showcased at robotics exhibitions to highlight the company’s technological journey. Their legacy lives on in ASIMO and Honda’s current robotics projects.

Specifications :

• Height:
  • P1: 191.5 cm
  • P2: 182.0 cm
  • P3: 160.0 cm
  • P4: 160.0 cm
• Weight:
  • P1: 386 lbs (175 kg)
  • P2: 463 lbs (210 kg)
  • P3: 287 lbs (130 kg)
  • P4: 176 lbs (80 kg)
• Walking Speed: ~2 km/h
• Degrees of Freedom (DOF): 30 (P1, P2), 28 (P3), 34 (P4)

Honda P1 Model | Image credits : By Morio – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Honda P2 Model | Image Credits : By Morio – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Honda P3 Model | Image Credits : By Morio – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link

Honda P4 Model or P3 Improved prototype model | Image Credits : By Morio – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link