Honda is introducing the third generation of its small, self-contained construction utility. AWV 3.0 can help a lot on construction sites.
Today, Honda is known for its cars as well as its robots, and in recent years the company has tried to combine the two with its autonomous work vehicle (AWV). The brand introduced the third generation of its vehicle, designed to carry up to two pallets on construction sites or warehouses without human intervention. However, this time Honda is ready to give the companies a chance.
Honda unveils the third generation of its small, self-contained construction utility
The AWV has come a long way from a roofless all-terrain vehicle to a small self-propelled electric vehicle and today’s model. Compared to the second generation, this AWV has a larger usable surface (two pallets) and a higher load capacity (900 kg); higher autonomous driving speed up to 16 km/h; larger battery, up to 10 hours and 45 km of battery life; improved obstacle avoidance functions; and a lowered platform for easier loading and unloading.
This little utility can work completely autonomously or be controlled wirelessly in difficult terrain like construction sites thanks to its many sensors. These include GPS, Radar, LiDAR and cameras, as well as cloud connectivity, all of which are controlled via a touchscreen tablet interface. “Our previous field trials have also confirmed that several Honda AWV vehicles can haul and deliver construction materials and other materials to specific locations along predetermined routes,” the company said in a statement.
AWV 3.0 can be a great help on construction sites.
AWV will allow construction companies and other organizations to address issues such as lack of labor or transportation locally, Honda said. After extensive testing, the brand explains that its AWV 3.0 version is now ready for field trials and will be looking for partners at a special showcase in Las Vegas that opens its doors on March 14, 2023.
“We want to respond to requests from companies and potential partners at CONEXPO that would be interested in field testing the vehicle at their sites. We believe the Honda AWV can be a solution to help construction crews improve efficiency and safety on the job site,” said Jason VanBuren, head of engineering at Honda Motor System.