Robotics, eVTOL, space… Honda details its ambitions in new technologies

Honda He presents his next strategy in new technologies. The automaker presented its roadmap for research and development on Thursday, September 30, 2021. The Japanese are working on an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) plane, an avatar robot to expand human capabilities, as well as space technologies. He did not specify the budget allocated for this research.

Flying taxi Honda eVTOL
After developing HondaJet’s twin-jet business jet, the manufacturer wants to develop an eVTOL. The idea is to draw on his knowledge of combustion, electricity, control systems and robotics. The manufacturer talks about a simple chassis, a decentralized propulsion system and a limited diameter of the rotors in order to minimize noise so that it can take off and land in an urban environment. He adds that he wants to equip it with a gas turbine hybrid engine.

Honda wants to create a new mobility ecosystem with eVTOL. It will make trips between two cities and its stations will be linked by other means of ground transportation. However, no timetable has been set. Honda is not the first manufacturer to have ideas in this area. Hyundai Unveiled a flying taxi prototype, Fiat has partnered with Archer, backed by Joby Aviation ToyotaGerman startup Volocopter won Daimler And jelly (Volvo cars).

An avatar robot with a human hand
Honda also announced that it is working on an “avatar robot” whose goal is to expand the range of human capabilities, without the constraints of time and space. The manufacturer had already developed the bipedal robot Asimo in the 2000s, which had been on the cutting edge of technology for some time. Here, with the Honda Avatar Robot, the idea is to develop a robot capable of performing the full range of tasks humans would normally perform while being remotely controlled. A potentially useful device in hazardous environments.

It has one hand with multiple fingers and the remote control features are improved with artificial intelligence techniques. This hand with fingers in the heart of the robot. The goal is to use this hand to perform complex tasks with precision and on a more intuitive control basis, with direct support from the remote user.

So far, the robot can gently grab objects and open tightly closed jars. Honda is improving its controls so that it can grip an object smoothly, in a single sequence of movements, and then manipulate it with precise control over the force used. The manufacturer aims to have the robot in practical use around 2030, with the first demonstration tests by the end of March 2024. Honda isn’t the only manufacturer looking at robotic systems either. stronghold Approach the startup Agility Robotics to design the robot Digit. Hyundai, for its part, has acquired Boston Dynamics.

Honda looks to space technologies
Honda also wants to develop aerospace technologies. One of his ideas is to modify the image of his robot so that it can be used on the Moon while being controlled from Earth.

The manufacturer also wants to develop a renewable renewable energy system for the lunar surface by utilizing fuel cell technologies and high differential pressure water electrolysis techniques. About this, contact the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). Finally, engineers from the research and development team proposed to work on a small, reusable rocket for sending satellites.