Category Archives: Honda

Meet ASIMO!

You know that anything technological and novel appeals to my inner high-tech geek!  While researching Honda for a project, I discovered ASIMO, which Honda (ASIMO’s developer) bills as ” The World’s Most Advanced Humanoid Robot”.  In development since 1986, ASIMO indeed lives up to its “advanced” claims.  It is not so much a toy, as it is a electromechanical companion designed to assist humans in their daily tasks…more specifically, people who may be handicapped, disabled or elderly.  ASIMO is just over four feet tall–tall enough to help with daily tasks, and yet, not intimidating.  When a person is seated or sitting up in bed, ASIMO is at a proper eye level to that person.

If you view the videos on ASIMO’s website, you notice the gait looks slightly crouched over–this is done to assist with balance, and also permits ASIMO to climb stairs, run at nearly four miles per hour, and avoid obstacles.  ASIMO’s movements are also precise, especially in the hands which feature four very flexible fingers and an opposable thumb.  In one video, ASIMO conducts the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, of which Honda is a corporate sponsor.  ASIMO can be seen at Disneyland in a permanent display, as well as on tour at science centers and large events around the world.

Zen and The Art of Honda Maintenance: Part 2

images[1]It’s been a couple of weeks since my last installment, but I’m pleased to report that the maintenance project went very well!  Yes, it took me longer than I thought.  But I worked carefully, and learned a lot about the Honda B20B4 engine in the CR-V, how it is put together, and how to work on it in the future.  In my travels online, too, I picked up quite a few tips to make the job easier, and other tips to take care of a few other minor issues.  And saved a ton of money doing it myself!

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Zen and The Art of Honda Maintenance

Call me a cheap Serb (or quarter Serb), but I always get the inspiration to do a lot of household chores myself to save money.  images[1]In this case, maintenance on the CR-V was overdue, so I decided to bite the bullet and do the dreaded “90,000 Maintenance” that is legendary in Honda service departments around the world.  My own 90,000 mile mark passed…a long time ago…105,000 miles ago!

What is the 90,000 Maintenance?  The whole enchilada, baby!  This means the timing belt, water pump, all fluids (oil, trans fluid, rear transfer case fluid, coolant, etc.), new belts, and even new ignition components if needed.  Fortunately I have recent wires and distributor cap, but everything else was overdue.  Especially the timing belt.  The idea of the pistons crashing into the valves when the belt breaks is enough motivation to get it done.   (And yet, some don’t!  My buddy just lunched his ’95 Accord two months ago when the timing belt broke…and just sold it last week for $300.  I can’t say I didn’t warn him!)  I’ve just started on the project.  So, how is the ordeal going?

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Honda: Future Models

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been a Honda fanatic for awhile. I’d struggled with other cars that left me stranded, or just fell apart well before their prime. (Don’t even get me started on our ’02 Malibu.) But I’m usually excited to see new Honda models come out, since Honda keeps their models on a strict 5-year schedule now. At the North American International Auto Show back east in Detroit, Honda has unveiled two cars. Read on for a couple of “borrowed” pictures!

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