Honda, the Japanese automaker known for its cars, motorcycles, and power equipment, has unveiled its first-ever electric autonomous zero-turn riding mower. The prototype called the Honda Autonomous Work Mower (AWM), is designed to improve the efficiency and sustainability of lawn care and landscape maintenance companies.
The Honda AWM will be at the Equip Exposition 2023, the international landscape, outdoor living, and equipment exposition, held in Louisville, Kentucky, from October 17 to 20. The event featured more than 1,000 exhibits and hundreds of educational opportunities for professionals in the outdoor industry.
The Honda AWM is a battery-powered electric mower that can operate in manual or autonomous mode. In manual mode, the mower learns the mowing routes and patterns set by the operator. In autonomous mode, the mower reproduces these routes and patterns using real-time kinematic global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS) technology for high location accuracy.
The mower also has omnidirectional sensing capabilities, using lidar and radar sensors to detect obstacles and avoid collisions. The mower can adjust its blade speed, wheel traction, and slope management according to the mowing load and terrain conditions.
The Honda AWM has a 60-inch cutter deck with three 21-inch blades. It can discharge grass clippings from the rear or mulch them. It can cut grass at heights ranging from 1.5 to 5.25 inches. It can reach speeds of up to 10 mph in manual mode and 6 mph in autonomous mode. It has a steel frame and front and rear suspension for durability and comfort.
The Honda AWM is part of Honda's efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 for all its products and corporate activities. The electric mower offers zero emissions and lower operating costs compared to gasoline-powered mowers. It also helps reduce noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
Honda conducted a proof of concept testing with a leading U.S. commercial landscape company earlier this year and received positive feedback on the mower's performance and potential. Honda plans to start a pilot program in 2024 and is seeking companies to participate in assessing the mower's applicability to their work environments.
