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Applying
innovative research to meet customer needs
Honda's
R&D operations can be divided into two main stages. At the research
stage, basic research on automotive technologies is conducted and
innovative technologies developed. At the development stage, these
technologies are combined with input from manufacturing and sales
sections to create products that meet the needs of customers and
society.
Honda's R&D
activities in Japan include product-specific development and fundamental
research on the technologies of the future. Motorcycle R&D takes
place at the Asaka R&D Center, which makes use of advanced technologies
and the latest facilities to develop applications for products ranging
from motor scooters to touring bikes.
R&D for automobiles
is conducted at Honda's Wako R&D Center, which is responsible mainly
for exterior and interior styling, and the Tochigi R&D Center, which
handles comprehensive vehicle development. Honda's Asaka Higashi
R&D Center conducts R&D on a wide variety of power products, including
general-purpose engines, electric generators, power tillers, outboard
marine engines, and lawn mowers. Honda also maintains proving grounds
in Tochigi Prefecture and Hokkaido. Rigorous tests are carried out
around the clock on motorcycles, automobiles, and power products.
Furthermore, the Wako Research Center conducts research - in such
fields as electronics, biotechnology, and new materials - with a
focus on future trends in technology for environmental purposes,
energy, and natural resource conservation.
Representative
offices and development branches around the world
To deliver
products that meet the specific market needs of each global
region, Honda has established R&D subsidiaries and representative
offices around the world, including the Americas, Europe, and
elsewhere in Asia. Fundamental technologies developed in Japan
are applied and adjusted to local market requirements at these
facilities. The support these facilities provide to local parts
and components manufacturers contributes to the expansion of
local production.
Making dreams into reality - Research into walking humanoid
robots
As part of
its foundational technology research, Honda has released a humanoid
robot prototype. With the ability to judge the ground conditions
in human environments, this robot is capable of bipedal locomotion
and can also perform simple tasks with its two hands. This represents
cutting-edge research in the establishment of technology's role
in enhancing human life.
Aeronautic research
As
part of its technological research program for expanding future
business, Honda has designed and developed its own jet plane,
the experimental six-seater MH02. The Company is also researching
various types of engines, including the HFX-01 and HFX20 turbo-fan
engines for small airplanes, both of which were announced in
1997. |
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Material
research using electron microscopy
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Honda
P3 humanoid robot
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HFX-01
turbo-fan engine
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