Comments on: Honda’s Remarkable New TV Ad with ASIMO

By: Andrew Tingle

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 16:10:27 +0000

Hi James,

Thanks for taking the time to comment – much appreciated.

Curiously it appears that (what I believe to be) the actual makers of this ad linked to this post and could not understand the feelings it inspired (in not just me, it would seem).

By: James

James — Mon, 03 Sep 2007 12:50:50 +0000

I felt the same, I recently re-watched this in a discussion of our favourite Honda ads.

I’m so glad I’m not the only one who shed a tear… I can’t explain it either. Asimo is the toddler of robotics, so curious and naive… yet so… ohh I wish I had one. I wish I was on the development team.

The ad makes me so happy, it gives me goosebumps and a lump in my throat. Such an amazing thing humans have created, it makes you proud to be alive in this age.

By: Jeremy

Jeremy — Mon, 19 Feb 2007 10:54:44 +0000

Although I’m not moved to tears, I do get a “goose-bumps” feeling when he goes face-to-face with the spacesuit. One of our greatest achievements meets another, with a beautiful symmetry. The future-fan in me whoops with joy.

By: Johan

Johan — Thu, 08 Feb 2007 15:45:22 +0000

I love the way it “says hi” to the astronaut costume and waits some moments before taking the huge steps. It’s absolutely stunning how Asimo moves.

By: stephen schauer

stephen schauer — Thu, 04 Jan 2007 22:53:26 +0000

Trading completely on it’s pathos, I attribute the power of this image to a handful of discreet devices. The pathetic affectation robot’s body language is endearing. The voice and message over by Garrison Keillor is inextricably tied to a recognizable, comfortable, warm, american story-telling style. I also think that this even begins to tiptoe into the Uncanny Valley. The viewer is allowed to empathize with a robot, since his identity is far enough removed from reality. Had the robot’s identity been too humanistic it would have completely repelled the viewer.

By: QUEEN20VT

QUEEN20VT — Sat, 30 Dec 2006 23:46:38 +0000

I too saw the advert many times, but had to hunt it down online to show my boyfriend!

I also started to shed a tear – but instead where he pretends to have wings when he looks at the plane – I could not believe such a simple advert could do that! I loved it, I think he is just so innocent and fragile you feel for him but dont know why! I want one!

By: Andrew Tingle

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:39:40 +0000

Claudia – I must admit, he is rather cute, isn’t he!

Lisa – he does look very lonely, and exceedingly vulnerable – perhaps that explains the ad’s impact on me.

Cyberbilly – I couldn’t agree more, I think you’ve hit the nail on the head. I too wish I could return to that child-like quality of wonder – though it does happen now and again.

By: cyberbilly

cyberbilly — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 18:11:43 +0000

It’s my opinion that when we see something familiar, we respond to it emotionally, maybe even subconsciously. This clip gets me when he shakes the raindrop off. Not something you’d expect of a robot. So I think it represents the wonder of discovery in all of us. It is also peaceful. The robot moves with an almost zen-like quality. Bottom line- emotional response to an unexpectedly universal human experience. I wish I could return to that child-like quality of wonder…

By: Lisa

Lisa — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:37:21 +0000

I kind of felt sorry for the robot… i don’t know why. It looked so lonely.

By: claudia

claudia — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 01:09:42 +0000

how cute it is

By: Invader_Stu

Invader_Stu — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 00:06:50 +0000

I saw that ad this week when I got back to England