News October 9, 2023 0

Honda Announces Autonomous Work Mower

Honda made a big announcement today. The iconic engine manufacturer will soon introduce an all-electric prototype–the Honda Autonomous Work Mower (AWM). It’s the company’s first battery-powered electric zero-turn riding mower with robotic capability, no less! Their goal is to boost worksite efficiency, and, at the same time, blow people’s minds.

They certainly have our attention. This model will be a centerpiece at the upcoming Equip Expo in Louisville, KY. Of course, OPE Reviews will be there, and we definitely look forward to seeing this mower firsthand.

Honda Autonomous Work Mower Testing

Earlier this year, Honda successfully field-tested a proof-of-concept version of the Autonomous Work Mower. Presumably, they were happy with the results. However, even though they’re unveiling this product to industry journalists and professionals, they’re still in the development phase.

Plans are already in the works to fine-tune the AWM in 2024, when Honda will launch a pilot program. Currently, they’re in the process of recruiting companies to assess their progress.

Now, without further ado, here’s a quick rundown of what this zero-turn mower has.

Honda Autonomous Work Mower Features

Teaching Mode

Interestingly, the AWM has an actual “Teaching” mode.

This feature enables the operator to set up autonomous operation using GPS by manually maneuvering the AWM, thus creating a mowing route map. That’s how it gets the lay of the land. According to the manufacturer’s design team, this allows for higher-quality lawn striping, position accuracy, and enhanced safety.

Honda AWM
ZT Ride-on/Autonomous
Deck size: 60 in
Speed: 10 mph (manual), 6 mph (auto)
Sensing: LiDAR x 4; Radar x 4
Weight: 1,378 lbs

Playback Mode

Here’s where the robotics come into play.

With the AWM in the starting position, the operator uses a mobile device to download the above-mentioned route map. As Honda describes it, the Autonomous Work Mower then starts cutting on its own. Meanwhile, the operator can tackle trimming and other tasks.

This is going to save both money and time for lawn care Pros.

Honda Autonomous Work Mower Design

One especially unique capability is this ZT’s traction control system, which enables the AWM to maintain
straight tracking on hills and rough or uneven terrain. It works by utilizing a differential 2-motor traction control that suppresses tire slip, providing straight-line performance.

Honda AWM Price

The AWM remains in the early testing and development stages. Honda has not yet set pricing.

Watch a Demo

About The Author

Michael Williams

Managing Editor

With over twenty years of experience as a journalist, editor, and researcher, Mike is driven by an insatiable appetite for life’s many fascinations. He loves lawn maintenance, landscaping, and anything related to outdoor power equipment.

As managing editor of OPE Reviews, he oversees our site’s coverage of everything from gadgets, hand tools, and heavy equipment to local, state, and federal environmental legislation, breaking industry news, and our comprehensive archive of tips and how-to articles.

While he’s intimately familiar with outdoor gear, safety equipment, and apparel across the spectrum, his deep focus is on leaf blowers, lawn tractors, and string trimmers. Likewise, he pays close attention to the long-running War of the Fuels: Gas vs. Battery.

Mike is passionate about putting the latest tools to the test and delivering the results to OPE Reviews' residential and Pro readership. He also enjoys collaborating with the product management and design teams at industry-leading brands like Ryobi, Stihl, EGO, ECHO, Greenworks, Kobalt, Cat, Worx, John Deere, Toro, Husqvarna, Generac, Honda, and Milwaukee, among others.

It's a constant learning process that involves attending major conventions like Equip Expo, along with media summits and facility tours at company HQs across the country.

When he's not busy as a dad and managing editor, Mike is an avid classic rock historian, collector, and audiophile. He's currently working on a compendium of Jimi Hendrix’s 1968 North American tour.

He lives in northern Maryland with his 11-year-old son and 5-year-old daughters, both of whom look eerily similar …. Yes, they’re identical twins.

As a reporter and features writer, his experience runs throughout the journalistic landscape. He’s worked on hard-hitting investigative pieces involving corporate fraud and international art theft, while also jumping on breaking news events like police standoffs.

Equally expansive is his dossier of magazine work. In line with his many interests, Mike’s feature stories have explored a variety of subjects, including the U.S. Army and Marine Corps, American history, true crime, space exploration, and entertainment.

Among the world figures he’s interviewed are Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, famed naturalist Jane Goodall, the Princess Bride star Cary Elwes, and Spider-Man creator Stan Lee, to name a few.

And, not surprisingly, Mike loves the world of outdoor power equipment. As managing editor of OPE Reviews, he oversees our site’s coverage of everything from gadgets, hand tools, and heavy equipment to local, state, and federal environmental legislation, breaking industry news, and OPE’s comprehensive archive of tips and how-to articles.

While he’s intimately familiar with the vast universe of outdoor gear, safety equipment, and apparel, his deep focus is on leaf blowers, lawn tractors, and string trimmers. Likewise, he pays close attention to an ongoing industry battle: Gas vs. Battery.

Mike thoroughly enjoys collaborating with the market’s flagship brands–a never-ending learning process that involves attending major conventions such as Equip Expo, along with media summits and facility tours at company HQs across the country.

Additionally, he provides leading manufacturers with research-driven/experience-based feedback about new equipment, as well as field test results and recommendations. Mike thoroughly enjoys collaborating with the teams at flagship brands like Ryobi, Stihl, EGO, ECHO, Greenworks, Kobalt, Cat, Worx, John Deere, Toro, Husqvarna, Generac, Honda, and Milwaukee, among many more.

He holds a B.A. in Journalism from Loyola University, and a Master’s degree and doctoral candidacy (Ph.D. ABD) in legal history and public policy from the University of Maryland.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-williams-ope-reviews