The new ASIMO features strengthened legs, an expanded range of leg movement and stability control technology that allows it to walk, run, run backward and generally be much more agile than before.
It now has a multi-fingered hand with a tactile and force (we wouldn't want it to apply too much force on its human overlords) sensor, which makes it capable of performing delicate tasks, such as pouring coffee into a mug.
Perhaps even more importantly, Honda's little droid has been upgraded in the AI department as well, enabling it to (autonomously) respond to movement and surrounding situations. It can recognize a face or a voice -- even when multiple people are speaking simultaneously -- and react to the intention of the other party. It can also predict the direction a person will walk within a few seconds, and take an alternate path to avoid collision.
As one example of ASIMO's possible usefulness in real world situations, Honda mentions the recent disaster in the Fukushima nuclear plant in Japan. "Not only is it possible to get inside the nuclear plant, but our robot could also get into other sites where humans don't have access to," said Honda's CEO Takanobu Ito at ASIMO's presentation.
BONUS: 10 Amazing Real-Life Robots