LMacG's Journal: Honda Robot is a Semi-Conductor

A Honda ASIMO robot walked on stage and acted as conductor for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra last night, leading them in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" from Man of La Mancha. Although some musicians found the little robot to be more lifelike than expected, it still can't respond to the musicians. "It's not a communicative device. It simply is programmed to do a sense of gestures," said Leonard Slatkin, the orchestra's musical director. "If the orchestra decides to go faster, there's nothing the robot can do about it. Hopefully, I keep that under control."