By DEE-ANN DURBIN
AP Auto Writer

DETROIT (AP) -- When does the conductor answer to the semiconductor? When a robot is leading the symphony.

A four-foot tall ASIMO is scheduled to conduct the Detroit Symphony Tuesday evening in a concert featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma. ASIMO will conduct Mitch Leigh's "Impossible Dream," a song from the musical "Man of La Mancha."

Honda Motor Co. designed ASIMO, which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility. Honda has been developing walking robots since 1986. The latest version of ASIMO debuted last year.

ASIMO can run, walk on uneven slopes and respond to simple voice commands, but Honda says this is the first time ASIMO has ever conducted an orchestra.

ASIMO can't respond to the players, but will be mimicking the actions of a conductor who was videotaped beforehand.

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