Honda Forms R&D Unit for Next-Gen Tech

Honda Motor Co.’s research and development subsidiary is creating a new unit called R&D Center X that will focus on so-called “new value” areas such as advanced robotics, artificial intelligence, mobility systems and energy management.

Opening in Tokyo in April, Center X initially will focus on autonomously operated machines and systems, such as robotics technologies and mobility systems. Honda says the researchers will target programs that lead to artificial intelligence that works cooperatively with humans, including technologies designed to better assist people and understand and relate to their emotions.

The company also vows to form more strategic collaborations with outside parties through open innovation. This will be facilitated by Honda’s R&D Innovation Lab (HIL-TK) that was launched in Tokyo last year. In addition to the new value areas, HIL-TK will work on related emerging technologies such as autonomous and connected vehicle systems.

Edward Feigenbaum, professor emeritus of computer science at Stanford University, and Kazuhiko Toyama, managing partner of Tokyo-based Industrial Growth Platform Inc., will serve as advisors to Center X.