Honda's Asimo Robot To Conduct Detroit Symphony OrchestraHonda's Asimo Robot To Conduct Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Honda's Asimo robot will conduct the Detroit Symphony Orchestra as it performs "Impossible Dream" as the opening act for cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The goal of the May 13 concert and the robot's appearance is to draw attention to the orchestra's music education programs for young people.

Asimo (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) and Yo-Yo Ma will also appear before hundreds of students from the Detroit School of Arts, the Detroit Renaissance and Cass Technical high schools, and other Detroit-area schools. Some students will receive personal instruction from Yo-Yo Ma.

Asimo is designed as a robotic assistance and is expected to someday provide assistance for the elderly and disabled. It looks a bit like a person in a Storm Trooper suit. Its arms, legs, torso, head, and joints allow it to move like a human.

Asimo is a big hit with children, who see it on television programs and in demonstrations held to boost young people's interest in math and science. It is new to music, but its creators at Honda believe it's a natural next step for the humanoid robot to conduct an orchestra and spur interest in music.

Honda also recently announced that it will give more than $1 million to the orchestra for "The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund," which will be created to offset budget cuts to music programs.

The partnership between the Japanese automaker and the orchestra will include several other efforts aimed at students who couldn't otherwise afford music education. "The Power of Dreams String Project" will give students in the Detroit area introductory-level music training. A music scholar program will provide students with private lessons. Honda will support a concert series and youth ensemble performances, the 2008 Classical Roots Gala, a fund-raiser for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's African-American Fellowship Program, and other projects.