ADDING MULTIMEDIA Honda Tests 49 Foot Robot!

On Dec. 18, Honda will reveal its Rose Parade float during an opening show rehearsal in Pasadena, Calif. The float, shown here during its recent construction in Pasadena, and the Honda FCX Clarity hydrogen-powered fuel cell pace car will kick off the parade this year along with marking the start of Honda's 50th anniversary year for U.S. operations. On Jan. 1, 2009, Honda's float will serve as the parade's opening ceremony stage and then transform into an animated replica of the company's ASIMO humanoid robot leading the beloved parade through the streets of Pasadena. (Photo: Business Wire)

A rendering of how Honda's "Hats off in Celebration" Rose Parade float will look as it leads the parade on Jan. 1, 2009. Honda's float will serve as the parade's opening ceremony stage and then transform into an 49-foot animated replica of the company's ASIMO humanoid robot leading the beloved parade through the streets of Pasadena. (Graphic: Business Wire)

The ASIMO replica on Honda's Rose Parade float stands about 12 times the height of the company's actual ASIMO humanoid robot. The actual ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility, is four feet, three inches (130 centimeters) which makes it the perfect size for someday fulfilling its purpose of helping people around a home or office, or assisting a person confined to a bed or a wheelchair. For more about ASIMO, visit http://asimo.honda.com. (Photo: Business Wire)