japanese carmaker honda has developed an autonomous work vehicle (AWV) platform built off its ATV architecture. basically an agricultural 4WD quad bike that uses AI, GPS and visual sensors, to serve as a small self-driving wagon, the AWV has been designed to transport supplies, equipment and water to hard-to-reach locations.

honda quad bike off-grid missions 3E-D18 autonomous work vehicle

 

 

the AWV is based on honda‘s all terrain vehicle (ATV) chassis, a rugged four-wheel drive system honda has been using for thirty years. the prototype vehicle features GPS and sensor-based autonomy capable of guiding the unit in almost any environment, a rail accessory mount system for limitless accessories and attachments, and onboard power plug-ins.

honda quad bike off-grid missions 3E-D18 autonomous work vehicle

 

 

its compact size and off-road capabilities make it highly manoeuvrable and perfect for a variety of locations, from dense forests to urban pedestrian zones. autonomous capabilities let you set it to “follow me,” “pattern” or “A to B” modes, which make it useful across a fairly broad range of applications.

honda quad bike off-grid missions 3E-D18 autonomous work vehicle

 

 

honda has been testing prototypes in search and rescue, firefighting, construction, agriculture, landscaping and snow removal applications, and is looking for partners to come on board to further the technology. it has tested it with a mower towed behind it, keeping weeds and grass down at a 178-acre (72 ha) solar plant in north carolina. in colorado, the fire department has had them following firefighters around, carrying heavy gear as they work their way through steep and difficult terrain on their way to control forest fires.

 

video by honda honda

 

 

‘honda showed its vision of the autonomous work vehicle as a concept at CES 2018, and we’ve been testing in real-world scenarios to demonstrate the value and capabilities of this unique machine,‘ said pete wendt, senior planner in advanced product planning, honda R&D americas. ‘honda is looking for additional partners to evolve the technology and develop attachments or accessories that will expand the potential uses for the autonomous work vehicle.’

 

honda is taking the vehicle (currently codenamed 3E-D18) to CES, where they were first launched last year. the company hopes to meet partners that can help develop the technology further, or collaborate to build autonomous attachments to broaden its utility.

 

 

project info

 

manufacturer: honda

model: 3E-D18 (autonomous work vehicle)