Honda is a name we don’t hear enough from in the tech space. The Japanese company is looking to change that, with more investment in some interesting spheres. But, in the meantime, here’s something a bit more immediate. Meet Honda’s Autonomous Work Vehicle, or AWV.
Which is exactly what it sounds like — it’s an autonomous cart designed to trundle around construction sites and deliver materials to humans who do the really intricate work.
Honda takes somebody’s jerbs
The Honda AWV is spending time at a solar farm construction site in New Mexico. Fleets of them are roaming up and down, transporting up to 400kg at a time (with an additional 750kg in a trailer). That’s not shabby performance for these compact little all-terrain shopping carts.
The AWV has a range of up to 45km on a charge, which isn’t much if you’re taking it to work. But you’re not taking it to work, it’s already there. And replacing humans who might otherwise push or drive loads of materials around. The video above shows the autonomous vehicles in action, and they’re mostly moving slowly in a straight line.
Which makes sense. The autonomous features don’t have to be too high-end if you’re working with loads of open space. But Honda includes various sensors, including 3D cameras, GPS and LiDAR, to keep these chaps in line. But, if need be, they can also be remotely piloted.
These critters, as useful as they seem, are only the start. The company intends to develop more advanced versions, which it hopes to roll out in more locations around the world. The result, they say, is more efficient use of manpower, enhanced safety, and even fewer injuries on the job site.