VIDEO: Honda’s updated robot learns new tricks

Honda’s newly upgraded robot Asimo has taken the fantasy of living with robots closer to reality.

Asimo can now move on its own without the need of an operator, among other abilities like track conversations between multiple people, pour drinks and walk around obstacles.

The automaker’s thinner, quicker and smarter robot was unveiled Tuesday in Tokyo. The first version of Asimo was released in 2000 with subsequent updates through 2005.

Under the new improvements, Asimo will also be able to detect moving paths and adjust its direction accordingly, like walking down a street with multiple pedestrians passing by.

 "With significantly improved intelligence and the physical ability to adapt to situations, Asimo took another step closer to practical use in an office or a public space where many people come and go," Honda said in a statement.

The nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant is an example of where Asimo could be used, said Takanobu Ito, CEO of Honda Motor Company. Nuclear plant workers could not enter the building to assess damage due to high radiation levels.