Asimo was one of Honda’s first robotic ventures, hitting the scene in 2000 with a blank face plate and an almost human wave to the crowd. When introduced, the public learned ASIMO stood for “Advanced Step in Innovative MObility” – and was the youngest sibling in a line up for a dozen prototypes constructed in the 1980′s & 1990′s.

Asimo/ASIMO is on of Honda’s most parodied experiments. The suit has been made into many a Halloween costume, and even South Park took a dig at the Japanese creation with Cartman’s “AWESOM-O”.

It hasn’t been all success for little Asimo, as the tough robo buddy has taken a spill or two. Luckily, robots do not suffer from pride, embarrassment, or failure. Asimo has kept getting back up on its feet to do a little dance & make a little…well whatever it is robots do in their private time.

With failure comes a lesson, and usually is followed by success! Asimo is rounding the bases to the big 1-0, and even inspired a cluster of offspring based off Honda research, including Honda U3-X and Honda Legs.

The five-story tall Asimo will make it’s way down Pasadena streets behind the Hydrogen fueled Honda FCX Clarity, and flanked by an army of choreographed dancers – whose purpose is to distract onlookers while Asimo tramples and demolishes buildings and shoot laser beams at the crowd.

Ok, we may be exaggerating a little. Honestly, how dangerous can a giant robot be? Especially one dressed like that Dancing Frog from The WB:

Following in Honda’s footsteps, Comedy Central will introduce a three-story tall Eric Cartman Awesome-O Robot float, powered by a Cheez-it fueled vehicle.

Honda’s Official Asimo Float Press Release:

Today Honda tested its unique Rose Parade float as part of a rehearsal of the parade’s opening show, conducted for media and invited guests in Pasadena, Calif., revealing the float design and giving parade fans a glimpse of this year’s event. Honda’s Rose Parade float, a 49-foot replica of Honda’s ASIMO humanoid robot, and the parade’s first-ever hydrogen-powered fuel cell pace car, the Honda FCX Clarity, will lead the 120th Rose Parade as well as kick off Honda’s 50th anniversary of U.S. operations.

In front of the millions of viewers watching from around the world on Jan. 1, 2009, Honda’s float will evolve from an opening ceremony stage into an animated replica of Honda’s ASIMO (Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility), standing about 12 times the height of the actual ASIMO humanoid robot. Honda’s float creation called “Hats Off in Celebration” will be completed with natural materials like lettuce seed, rice, carnations and strawflower. The float will be joined by the Prairie View A&M University Marching Band, a past participant in the Honda Battle of the Bands which features the music programs of Historically Black Colleges and Universities. A few members of the band will ride on the float, which will be immediately followed by the entire marching band. In addition, during the parade the FCX Clarity pace car will be accompanied by the Honda Super Cub motorcycle, the first model sold in the United States.

“Honda always brings a great amount of innovation to the Rose Parade and what a fantastic way for the company to kick off their 50th anniversary in the U.S.,” said Bill Flinn, chief operating officer, Tournament of Roses. The Honda float includes a variety of flowers, plants and seeds that will later be ground up for mulch after the parade activities are concluded. The surface of ASIMO will be covered with super fine ground white rice and super fine ground everlasting; it is accented by fine cut blue statice and fine cut red static as well as silverleaf to create accents and “shadows.” Fine cut everlasting, whole red carnations and white chrysanthemums will bring vivid color to Honda’s 50th anniversary logos, which will be decorated by Honda associates (employees) on December 27.

“We’re honored to be celebrating our first 50 years in America by continuing our participation in the Rose Parade,” said Stephan Morikawa of American Honda Community Relations. “We’re thankful that so many customers have placed their trust in our products and services, and we are looking forward to surpassing their expectations during the next 50 years.”

Honda is one of the parade’s longest-running corporate sponsors, and its Rose Parade entries have captured major awards in 13 out of the last 14 years. Honda is the official Tournament of Roses vehicle. This year, the company will provide 115 vehicles, including the Honda FCX Clarity pace car; 166 Metropolitan scooters; and, 12 generators for use by Tournament of Roses personnel. The 120th Rose Parade, themed “Hats off to Entertainment,” will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2009 at 8 a.m. (PST).