The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo is paying its newest employee, ASIMO, in volts instead of yen. That's because ASIMO, whose name stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is a humanoid robot.

ASIMO was first created by the Honda Motor Company in November 2000 because they wanted to build a robot who could live and work alongside humans. Now their dreams have finally come true.

The reason ASIMO is so special is because he can walk on two legs just like a person. His top speed is 1.6 kilometers per hour. When he was first created in 2000, stairs and slopes were very difficult for him and he had to know their exact measurements beforehand. Now, though, he has been improved so that he can climb stairs and slopes with ease. He also has no trouble changing direction and can even dance!

ASIMO can talk and is also able to understand about 50 different voice commands. Standing 120 centimeters (3 feet 11 inches) tall and weighing 43 kilograms (95 pounds), he looks a lot like a kid in a space suit. This means he is very people-friendly. All of this is a remarkable scientific achievement, and that's why he fits in so well at his new job in a science museum.

The interactive museum opened in July 2001 as a place for people to come into contact with the latest scientific achievements. With exhibits, a theatre, experiment studios, a science library, and a website, the museum is trying to bring the world of science closer to people.

At the museum "interpreters" explain and guide visitors through the displays. ASIMO was hired on January 13 to be one of the interpreters for the robot display. Mamoru Mori is an astronaut and the director of the museum. Mori says, "He'll have the important job of explaining the fruits of scientific research in an easy to understand manner." Who better than an android to explain the world of robots to visitors?

ASIMO was thrilled to get the job, saying, "All right! I can't wait to be on my own." He'll be trained by senior interpreters and should be on his own by April. If you go to the museum, you might get to meet ASIMO. Don't forget to say hi!

Photos: (Top) ASIMO can walk on two legs; (Middle) ASIMO receives his notice of employment from the museum director; (Bottom) ASIMO understands about 50 voice commands. (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)