Honda to showcase third-generation Autonomous Work Vehicle at CONEXPO 2023

BY Bruce Brown

Honda has unveiled the third-generation Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas. The latest prototype is designed to improve construction industry and worksite efficiencies while addressing issues such as labor shortages and environmental performance.

The fully programmable all-electric Honda AWV leverages Honda’s emerging advanced autonomous technology to create a rugged off-road work vehicle that can support construction-related activities and enhance workforce productivity. It can operate autonomously or manually via remote control, providing a wide range of services to industries that need autonomous operation or delivery solutions.

Honda field tested the second-generation Honda AWV at a large-scale solar construction site in the Southwest U.S. and based on real-world testing, introduced the third-generation Honda AWV with a number of enhancements.

The third-generation Honda AWV features a larger bed size of 2 pallets and greater loading capacity of 2000 pounds. It also boasts improved navigation in locations where global navigation satellite system (GNSS) service is weak or unavailable through the use of LiDAR sensors. The simplified tablet-based programming interface and cloud connectivity allow for easy programming, while the higher speed in autonomous mode of up to 10 miles per hour (mph) increases efficiency.

Additionally, the Honda AWV’s battery size has been increased, providing a longer operating time of up to 10 hours. The enhanced avoidance function for vehicles stopped on the road and lower bed for easier loading and improved ergonomics make the vehicle safer and more efficient.

The AWV employs a suite of sensors, including GPS for location, radar and lidar for obstacle detection, and cameras for remote monitoring. 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.

“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.”

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

Interested construction entities can learn more about field testing the rugged off-road platform at their worksites at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023 in Las Vegas. Honda aims to work with potential business partners and companies to further improve the AWV platform’s performance and design specifications.