Honda reveals prototype autonomous work vehicle

Honda is showcasing the new capabilities of the latest generation of its prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) to improve construction industry and worksite efficiencies at ConExpo-Con/Agg 2023.

“As we continue to advance the Honda AWV platform, we want to meet with potential business partners and companies at ConExpo that are interested in field testing the vehicle at their worksite,” said Jason VanBuren, systems engineering manager at American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “We believe the Honda AWV can be a valuable solution to supporting construction teams while also enhancing worksite efficiencies and safety. Leveraging Honda’s decades of experience developing reliable, safe and clean mobility technology, we aim to address issues such as labor shortages and improved environmental performance.”

Honda is showing the latest generation of its prototype Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at ConExpo. (Photo: Honda)

The fully programmable all-electric Honda AWV leverages the company’s emerging advanced autonomous technology to create a rugged off-road work vehicle that is designed to support construction-related activities and enhance workforce productivity. With the ability to operate autonomously – or manually via remote control – the Honda AWV could provide a wide range of services to industries that need autonomous operation or delivery solutions, especially where workforce constraints make other solutions impractical.

The company is also exploring the development of attachments and tools that could make the vehicle a suitable platform for many work environments.

Honda successfully field tested the second-generation Honda AWV at a large-scale solar construction site in the Southwest U.S. Based on real-world testing, the company is now introducing the third-generation Honda AWV which features a number of enhancements.

• Key features of the third-generation Honda AWV include:
• Increased bed size to 2 pallets and greater loading capacity of 2000 lb.
• Improved navigation in locations where GNSS (global navigation satellite system) service is weak or unavailable through the use of LiDAR sensors.
• Simplified tablet-based programming interface and cloud connectivity.
• Higher speed in autonomous mode – up to 10 mph.
• Increased battery size and longer operating time of up to 10 hours.
• Enhanced avoidance function for vehicles stopped on road.
• Lower bed for easier loading and improved ergonomics.

The Honda AWV employs a suite of sensors to operate autonomously, using GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection and cameras for remote monitoring. Previous field tests have also successfully verified that multiple Honda AWVs can transport and deliver construction materials and supplies at precise points along a pre-set route. The vehicle leverages Honda’s extensive portfolio of mobility technologies, using common components from its automobiles and other products.

Honda said it anticipates further improvements to performance and design specifications as the development of the prototype Honda AWV continues to progress.

To see a video of of the Honda AWV go to https://honda.us/HondaAWV.