Autonomous work vehicles make U.S. debut at Homestead Airport
Honda partners with Miami-Dade County on cutting-edge pilot program
On February 25, the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and Honda hosted a live demonstration at Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport to showcase three of Honda’s state-of-the-art prototype autonomous work vehicles (AWV) and autonomous work mowers (AWM) mowing grass and spraying pesticide at the 960-acre airport. Miami-Dade County is the first test site in the U.S. for this cutting-edge autonomous technology.
Testing autonomous work vehicles is the latest example of how we are exploring innovative ways to increase workforce efficiency, reduce costs, and create a more future-ready Miami-Dade County. This technology has enormous potential for simplifying the maintenance of large open spaces at our county’s airports, parks, and other large facilities, so that workers can be elevated to more substantial roles and responsibilities.
Honda recently completed a three-month pilot program at Miami Homestead General and Miami Executive Airport. The prototype Honda AWV and AWM have been operating four days a week after being programmed with autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance technology. The Miami-Dade Aviation Department will now evaluate the pilot program’s results to determine if it wants to move forward with requesting proposals for a long-term contract for automated work vehicles.
Miami International Airport, America’s busiest airport for international freight and the second busiest for international passengers, is receiving an unprecedented investment of $14 billion in capital improvements and maintenance upgrades. MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport and is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida, generating business revenue of $212 billion and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida annually.
To request materials in accessible format, Sign Language Interpreters, CART services and/or any accommodation to participate in any Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) public meetings and events please email the ADA Office at ADAcoordinator@miami-airport.com or call the office in 305-869-1859 five days in advance to initiate your request. Persons who are deaf or hard of hearing may also call 711 (Florida Relay Service).