Honda will make future products using the robot’s technology.

Honda’s ASIMO (Advanced step in Innovative Mobility) humanoid robot is not available for purchase. ASIMO was never commercialized despite its development starting in 1986 and the debut of the first iteration in 2000. ASIMO, a two-legged robot, never became a household staple. It still managed to bring smiles to people’s faces. This makes news Honda more disappointing.

According to Nikkei Asia Review, ASIMO was the first robot that could stand on two feet over its 18-year lifespan. Seven versions of ASIMO were developed during that time. The final version, which was introduced in 2011, measured four feet three inches high and weighed 105.8 lbs (49 kilograms). It could walk at 5.5 miles an hour (9 km per hour).

ASIMO may soon cease to exist. The robot’s technology may be lost, but it will continue to live in a variety of products that could see commercialization. Honda unveiled a self-balancing motorcycle earlier this year. It uses variable electro-geometry, without the need for gyroscopics, to maintain a motorcycle upright at speeds below three miles an hour. This innovation was made possible by ASIMO technology. Honda introduced four new robots this year, also using ASIMO technology. These robots include an autonomous ATV and a robotic wheelchair that can be used indoors and outdoors.

ASIMO’s human-like walking and balance and non-threatening appearance made it popular. Through a variety of sensors that analyzed its surroundings, ASIMO maintained its upright posture. This allowed it to wave and shake hands. It was also able to recognize moving objects and interpret voice commands.

ASIMO is now gone, but the ASIMO engineering team is moving on to other areas of the company such as the development of self-driving automobile technology. According to the publication, the automaker is working on a rehabilitation device for physical therapy that uses ASIMO’s walking technology. The device will allow patients with disabilities or elderly to move their legs using motors.

Honda doesn’t seem to be abandoning robotics completely. Nikkei Asia Review reports that ASIMO’s core team of developers was reborn under the name R&D Center X. This new team will be responsible for the company’s robotics strategy. They may be able to develop ASIMO 2.0 in a few years.