Honda is testing a prototype of a 2nd generation drone truck

For the first time, Honda presented a prototype of the Autonomous Work Vehicle (AWV) ROVER, designed to perform a wide range of work, at CES-2018. By the end of this year, it will already be tested in the USA – in California, Colorado and North Carolina. The second prototype will be tested on the roads of New Mexico.

AWV is, in fact, a well-proven SUV platform equipped with advanced autonomous driving technology. According to the developers, it will be in demand on construction sites, for the delivery of equipment to firefighters, chemical treatment of fields and even for participation in the maintenance of solar power plants.

The second AWV prototype is more like a regular mini-truck. He has two headlights installed in front, and a blue flashing light on top, warning others about his presence.

The autonomous truck is equipped with an electric transmission. When fully loaded (up to 400 kg plus a towed load of 750 kg), it is able to travel up to 50 km, after which it needs a six-hour charge. There is no information about the high-speed capabilities of the platform yet, but the video shows that the AWV moves evenly and slowly, which guarantees safety for others.The autonomous driving system consists of sensors, GPS, radar, lidar and a 3D camera, which does not exclude the possibility of remote control of the vehicle via a cloud application from a tablet.

Honda conducted the last series of tests together with the construction company Black & Veatch during the construction of solar energy facilities in New Mexico, where AWV was used to deliver equipment and construction materials along pre-determined routes on a plot of about 405 hectares. At the same time, the drone worked a full 8-hour working day at high temperature without any problems.