Honda is boosting its investment in three advanced fields: space exploration, automation, and electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOL), also referred to as flying vehicles. This is part of their research and development efforts to further develop these technologies.
Over the course of the next six years, the car manufacturer is set to invest a total of $45 billion (5 trillion yen) in research and development. However, there is no disclosure from Honda regarding the specific portion of this budget that will be allocated towards the development of rockets, robots, and flying cars, or whether these endeavors will be pursued as viable commercial ventures.
Honda views robots, rockets, and eVTOL aircraft as an expansion of their primary focus on producing automobiles. Their goal is to utilize these technologies to improve their electric vehicle platform, making the investment worthwhile. Essentially, the company aims to create functional prototypes before moving forward with further developments.
Honda is currently investigating the potential of incorporating eVTOL aircraft into their urban taxi service. However, their approach differs from most startups who are focusing on developing lightweight, multi-prop vehicles powered by lithium-ion batteries. According to Frommer, Honda’s strategy will involve a hybrid solution in order to meet the range expectations of their customers.
According to Honda, the maximum range achievable by pure battery-electric aircraft is limited to “several 10s of kilometers.” However, by incorporating gas turbines alongside an electric motor, Honda claims that their aircraft can reach a range of up to 250 miles. This would make longer trips, such as those between Boston and New York City, more feasible and profitable for commercial purposes.
The goal of Honda’s robotics department is to create “multi-fingered hands” that have the ability to grasp and hold specific items. They are currently studying the possibility of achieving this through remote control, where a person wearing a VR headset and a linked glove can control the robotic hand.
According to Frommer, Honda’s focus is on utilizing their propulsion, guidance, and control technologies in a new “reusable rocket” initiative. The development of rocket technology began in 2019, the automaker’s efforts are primarily aimed at launching small satellites into low orbit. This advancement will also allow for the integration of their core technologies into a range of services, such as connected services.
The potential success of these research projects is yet to be determined. The automobile industry is currently experiencing a significant change, with the majority of major companies committing to eliminating gas-powered vehicles in favor of electric ones. Honda, in particular, has pledged to discontinue the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles by 2040