If we say Honda, we say innovation, and that is exactly what its latest idea inspires us to think. Have you ever pictured a robot and an orchestra face to face? They did, as they unveiled that the Detroit Symphony Orchestra will have an unusual guest: ASIMO, the multitalented robot. He will conduct the orchestra as it performs “Impossible dream” on May 13.

One day later, ASIMO (which stands for Advanced Step in Innovative Mobility) will perform for hundreds of school children at the Orchestra Hall, where renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will also offer personal instructions to a group of music students from the Detroit School of Arts (DSA), Detroit Renaissance and Cass Technical high schools.

“It’s an interesting marriage of technology and culture,” said Jill Woodward, spokeswoman for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Computer World reported. “He’s being programmed [to conduct the orchestra]. The musicians will have to follow him and do what he says. It will be interesting to see if he has, shall we say, a different take on the piece.”

Honda created ASIMO with the purpose of helping elderly or disabled sometime in the future, but for now, the robot has other important tasks, such as helping and encouraging children to pursue studies in math and sciences and why not, extend their music repertoire.

Honda has recently donated $1 million to the Detroit Symphony Orchestra to create The Power of Dreams Music Education Fund, which is meant to ensure students will be able to pursue a musical career if they want to, without being stopped by the lack of music programs from schools (a situation that became acute due to financial problems).

The company has a five year plan in partnership with DSO, which includes The Power of Dreams String Project for children in metro-Detroit communities or The Power of Dreams Music Scholar program for students with financial difficulties.