Honda shows latest version of its Autonomous Work Vehicle
Back at CES 2018, Honda unveiled several concepts for mobile companion robots. Now it turns out the company has advanced at least one of them: an autonomous vehicle that can drive off-road. Honda and engineering firm Black & Veatch tested a second-generation Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at a solar construction site.
This was the first field test in which several AWVs worked together. The vehicles towed trailers and moved construction materials, water and other items across a 1,000-acre area. The AWV can carry a payload of up to 399 kg and tow a trailer with a total weight of 750 kg.
In a video showing the AWV, a Black & Veatch employee notes that traveling across such a large area can take some time. Loading the vehicles with materials and sending them to another location can therefore improve efficiency and cut employees' travel time, freeing them to work on other tasks.
Honda created a high-resolution map of the terrain so operators can set starting and ending points for the AWV. During testing, the devices reportedly stopped within a few centimeters of their destinations. In addition to autonomous operation, the AWV can be controlled remotely.
The company says the vehicle can run for up to eight hours without recharging, even in high temperatures. The AWV uses a range of sensors for navigation, including GPS, radar and LiDAR, as well as 3D cameras for remote monitoring. Honda says that even at maximum payload, the AWV has a range of up to 44.9 km depending on the use case.
The automaker aims to improve the AWV's performance and design as it iterates on the prototype (it now looks rather cute). It may also offer the ability to add attachments and tools. However, Honda has not yet said whether it plans to release a commercial version of the AWV.
Development of the AWV continues thanks to successful tests in New Mexico. Honda hopes that one day this vehicle will become a solution capable of handling tough jobs off the pavement. However, the company takes gaining experience very seriously and has invited those who already want to test the AWV to stay in touch to learn how the device might help in principle.
«Honda and Black & Veatch successfully tested a prototype of the Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at a construction site in New Mexico. During month-long field trials, the fully electric second-generation Honda AWV performed a range of functions on a large-scale solar energy construction project, including towing and transporting construction materials, water and other materials to predetermined destinations on the worksite,
Honda AWV, first shown as a concept at CES 2018 in Las Vegas, combines a rugged, reliable off-road Side-by-Side platform with cutting-edge autonomous control technology. The result is a new category of high-performance work vehicles that can be used in a variety of dynamic work environments.
“Together with our testing partner Black & Veatch, Honda was able to demonstrate the performance of our rugged, fully electric autonomous work vehicle prototype in large-scale construction conditions. We believe Honda AWV can deliver greater efficiency, higher safety and better environmental performance for the construction industry and other sectors that require an autonomous off-road solution”
Black & Veatch is a global engineering, procurement and construction company specializing in construction optimization and technological innovation which, in collaboration with Honda, provided a real-world testing ground for Honda AWV technology on an active construction site. Black & Veatch staff were trained by Honda engineers in vehicle operation and safety rules so they could use the technology effectively in the field. Black & Veatch provided detailed feedback on product and business requirements that will help expand the capabilities and services of Honda AWV.
“Black & Veatch's drive for innovation in construction and jobsite safety led us to partner with Honda. Thanks to our leading position in the solar energy market, testing this new autonomous work vehicle aligns with our focus on advancing the industry through new and innovative ways of working on job sites”
Based on the capabilities proven in this field test, Honda believes the AWV can provide a wide range of services for industries that need a reliable autonomous off-road solution, especially where workforce constraints and safety considerations call for other, more practical solutions. The ability to operate autonomously or by remote control and carry large payloads, as well as the option to add attachments and tools, makes Honda AWV a suitable platform for many work environments.
