New Autonomous AWV From Honda
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Honda Makes New AWV Practical
The vehicle above is Hondas latest attempt at breaching the autonomous vehicle market. We’ve been hearing for a long time now that eventually vehicles will be fully autonomous and self driving. Before we get personal self driving cars (despite the pushes forward from Tesla in this industry) it’s likely we’ll see cargo carrying vehicles first. Before we make all our trucks autonomous, Honda decided to try a small autonomous vehicle that can tackle heavy loads on all terrains.
Image Source Fox News
Specifications
The AWV from Honda has many bits of kit to let it do its job correctly. Starting off the units are fitted with radar, cameras, sensors and GPS all to ensure the vehicle can travel autonomously. It also has the option to be remote controlled. Further more the Honda vehicle is entirely electric, with a range of almost 28 miles when at full load. The empty unit weighs in at 1590 pounds and takes six hours to charge via a standard 120 volt connection.
The Vehicle was tested at a solar plant in New Mexico, Honda collaborated with Black & Veatch to use their ATWs for test at moving cargo across the plant. Honda generated super high definition maps of the plants allowing the workers to select destinations for the Honda vehicles to go too. Workers said the vehicles stopped within a few cm of their destinations and the tests worked well. The terrains and elevations and varied allowing for a great way to put the vehicle to the test.
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Conclusion
The Honda AWV delivered and passed the excruciating tests. A 1000acre plant in the heat of the New Mexico sun, combined with the cargo load of up to 800 pounds or pulling trailers loaded at double that capacity. The vehicles ran for 8 hours straight. Honda now believes it can serve many industries that require off road vehicles or heavy cargo moving.
Honda has been actively developing autonomous vehicle technology, and has several projects and initiatives in this field. Here are some examples:
- Honda Sensing: This is a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that is available on many Honda models. It includes features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Automated Drive: Honda is also working on developing fully autonomous vehicles, and has been testing its Automated Drive technology on public roads in Japan. This system uses advanced sensors and cameras to enable the vehicle to drive itself in certain conditions, such as on highways.
- Partnership with GM: Honda has partnered with General Motors to jointly develop autonomous vehicle technology. The two companies are working on a new autonomous vehicle platform, which is expected to be used by both Honda and GM in their future autonomous vehicles.
- Robotic Vehicles: In addition to self-driving cars, Honda is also developing robotic vehicles that can operate in a variety of environments. One example is this Honda Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV), which is a small, all-terrain vehicle that is designed for use in agriculture, construction, and other industries.
Overall, Honda has a strong commitment to developing autonomous vehicle technology, and is investing significant resources into this area. The company is working to create a safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable driving experience for its customers.
Controversy
Like many companies involved in developing autonomous vehicle technology, Honda has faced some controversies and challenges. Here are a few examples:
- Safety Concerns: One of the biggest controversies surrounding autonomous vehicles is safety. While these vehicles have the potential to reduce accidents caused by human error, there have been a few high-profile accidents involving autonomous vehicles from various companies. In 2015, a Honda vehicle equipped with some of its automated driving technologies was involved in a fatal crash in Japan. This incident raised questions about the safety of these systems and their ability to handle unexpected situations on the road.
- Technical Issues: Developing fully autonomous vehicles is a complex and challenging process, and many companies have experienced technical issues and setbacks along the way. Honda has not been immune to these challenges. In 2018, Honda had to delay the introduction of its Level 3 automated driving system due to technical difficulties.
- Data Privacy: Another issue that has come up in the development of autonomous vehicles is data privacy. These vehicles collect large amounts of data about their passengers and their surroundings, which can raise concerns about how that data is used and protected. Honda, like other companies, will need to address these concerns in order to gain the trust of consumers and regulators.
Despite these controversies and challenges, Honda remains committed to developing autonomous vehicle technology. The company has a strong track record of innovation and is likely to continue playing a leading role in this field.
