GIE Release 2023: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)

This has been a huge year for releases at GIE and it's getting us excited to see what our favorite brands are working on. So far we've seen a new Scag V-Ride XL, A Scag EV-Vride electric, and The Scag Jackal Mini-Skid Steer. Just when we thought it couldn't get much better Honda has dropped a bombshell on the Outdoor Power Equipment Zero-Turn Industry with the announcement of the Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower!

Although Honda has recently decided to discontinue their line of gas-powered walk behind lawn mowers, they have decided to throw their hat into the ring in a very cut throat and competitive arena of Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers, and the press release for the Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM) is a huge surprise!

Honda Engineers have been working on an absolute game-changer in terms of zero-turn lawn mowing, landscaping and maintenance. As we all know many automobile companies have been working on battery technology as long as autonomous driving, so the production of a lawn mower engineered with the same technology makes logical sense for future designs.

In the ever-evolving landscape of lawn care and maintenance, the Honda Autonomous Work Mower (AWM) stands as a game-changer. This cutting-edge innovation seamlessly combines top-tier cutting performance and operator comfort with pinpoint accuracy in navigation and obstacle avoidance. With a mission to enhance the operational efficiency of lawn care and landscaping businesses, the Honda AWM also champions environmental responsibility by boasting zero-emissions technology. In this article, we delve into the remarkable features and benefits of the Honda AWM, a versatile machine capable of manual or autonomous operation, offering a sustainable solution for the industry.

Cutting-Edge Features: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)

Industry-Leading Performance Honda AWM

The Honda AWM doesn't just cut grass; it sets new standards for cutting performance. Its precision-engineered blades make quick work of even the toughest grass, ensuring a beautifully manicured lawn with every pass. Say goodbye to uneven patches and hello to perfection.

Operator Comfort Redefined

A comfortable operator is a productive operator. The AWM's ergonomic design ensures that the person behind the wheel can focus on the task at hand without discomfort or fatigue. This means longer hours of operation and greater efficiency for your lawn care business.

Pinpoint Accuracy

With its cutting-edge Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), the AWM knows exactly where it is at all times. This pinpoint accuracy ensures that not a single inch of your lawn is missed, leaving you with a flawlessly mowed landscape.

The Power of Autonomy: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)
Manual Mode Mastery

The Honda AWM can be operated either manually or autonomously. In manual mode, the AWM is a quick learner. It observes and memorizes the mowing routes and patterns set by the operator, ensuring consistent results every time.

Autonomous Efficiency

Switching to autonomous mode is a breeze. The AWM reproduces the learned routes and patterns, freeing up your workforce to focus on higher-value tasks. Efficiency soars as your crew can now dedicate their time to tasks that truly matter

Embracing Sustainability: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)
Zero Emissions

In an era where sustainability is paramount, the Honda AWM stands tall. Its all-electric design ensures zero emissions, making it an eco-friendly choice that aligns with environmental goals and regulations.

Supporting Sustainability Goals

Hirokazu Hara, Vice President of New Business Development at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., underscores the importance of the AWM's development in the context of the landscaping industry's future. He emphasizes the role it plays in addressing labor shortages and supporting sustainability goals by offering a zero-emission alternative to gasoline-powered mowers. The result? Reduced operating costs and accelerated electrification of landscape maintenance equipment.

A Glimpse into Operation of the Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)

Teaching Mode

The operator's journey with the AWM begins in "Teaching" mode. Here, they manually guide the AWM to create a mowing route map using GNSS for unparalleled location recognition. The AWM then diligently learns the operator's mowing route and patterns. This extends beyond mere efficiency; it ensures high-quality lawn striping, precise position accuracy, and safe operation.

Customization at Its Best

The AWM empowers operators to create multiple customized mowing route maps for various job sites. These maps are securely saved to a cloud server, ensuring accessibility and convenience.

Seamless Transition

Once the "Teaching" mode is complete, the operator transitions to "Playback" mode. From the starting position, they download the specified mowing route map to the AWM using a tablet or smartphone. The AWM then takes the reins and autonomously follows the prescribed route, delivering consistent and high-quality grass-cutting. This hands-free approach grants operators more time to tend to other areas of the property, enhancing overall efficiency.
Conquering Challenging Terrain: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)

Unmatched Traction

The AWM's unique traction control system is a game-changer. It maintains straight tracking even on hills and rough terrains, ensuring that your lawn receives the attention it deserves, regardless of the landscape's challenges.

Safety at the Core

Safety is non-negotiable, and the AWM doesn't compromise. Boasting omnidirectional sensing, radar, and LiDAR sensors for obstacle detection, it navigates your lawn with the utmost care. It's also well-equipped to sense terrain variations and halt when encountering obstacles, protecting your investment and ensuring safe operation.

Efficiency as a Standard: Honda Prototype Autononmous Work Mower (AWM)
Smart Power Management

The AWM's vehicle speed-linked blade motor control optimizes power consumption. It automatically adjusts blade rotation at low speeds and low loads to save power. When facing high loads, the AWM reduces its speed to prevent grass clogging and ensure every blade of grass is cut to perfection.

In Conclusion: Honda Prototype Autonomous Work Mower (AWM)

In conclusion, the Honda AWM represents a monumental leap in the world of lawn care and landscape maintenance. With its unmatched performance, autonomous capabilities, and unwavering commitment to sustainability and safety, it's poised to revolutionize the industry. Say goodbye to the old way of mowing and embrace the future with the Honda AWM. Your lawn deserves nothing less than the best, and the AWM seems like it will deliver just that. Gilford Hardware & Outdoor Power Equipment is an Honda Authorized Sales & Service dealership check us out today!

Technical Specifications and Features