Honda AWV Is a Friendly Autonomous UTV

Development of Honda’s Autonomous Work Vehicles (AWV) is continuing apace, and a prototype recently underwent testing at a construction site to test its mettle as a work vehicle.

It’s important to note that this is the second generation of the fully electric AWV. Honda is working to see if the model is sustainable for the job site and as a “rugged off-road autonomous solution.” In this application, Black & Veatch operated the friendly faced machine at a large-scale solar project in New Mexico. Its duties were mainly hauling and towing materials, water, and other supplies to their destinations. It was set to be driven to preprogrammed points, but it can also be driven by remote control.

“The vehicles successfully delivered materials and supplies along a calculated route and proved capable of stopping within centimeters of the preset points,” according to Honda.

While we don’t expect the AWV to replace our beloved Talon or a human-operated side-by-side anytime soon, it is interesting that the AWV is very UTV-like in size. The machine is 9 feet, 6 inches long, 4 feet, 11 inches wide, and weighs 1,590 pounds. It can handle a 880-pound payload and has a maximum towing capacity of 1,653 pounds. The battery can be fully recharged in six hours. The prospect of statistics like these in a trail-ready UTV with a steering wheel and pedals is one we’re absolutely interested in and we look forward to seeing what comes of the AWV in the future.