Honda's Robotic Fleet Just Wants to Help Humans
Honda's 3E Robotics Concept, unveiled at CES 2018, is a fleet of four experimental robots built around a single philosophy: machines that exist to help people, not replace them. The name stands for Empower, Experience, and Empathy, and each robot in the fleet targets a different area of human life, from heavy outdoor labour to emotional support in public spaces.
Empower: The 3E-D18 Autonomous Off-Road Vehicle
The 3E-D18 is an autonomous off-road vehicle built on Honda's ATV chassis with all-wheel drive and airless tyres. Its onboard AI is designed to support work across farming, search and rescue, and construction environments. A modular rail system on the upper platform accepts toolboxes, GPS stations, sensors, and other equipment, making it adaptable to whatever task requires an extra pair of hands in difficult terrain.
The 3E-B18 is a personal mobility device aimed at users who need support getting around. Balancing sensors maintain an upright riding position regardless of gradient, while a small footprint allows the unit to navigate tight pedestrian environments. External attachments convert it into a motorised stroller or luggage cart for different contexts.
Empathy: The 3E-A18 Social Robot
The 3E-A18 is the most emotionally oriented robot in the fleet. Its egg-shaped head and soft exterior are designed to invite human contact, and its AI reads and responds to human emotional states through facial expressions, sound, and movement. Honda envisions it operating in airports, shopping centres, and public spaces, assisting with navigation and providing a calm, approachable presence.
Experience: The 3E-C18 Cargo Companion
The 3E-C18 is the logistics member of the fleet, a compact cargo platform with a deployable canopy that rises from the body to create a working surface or covered vendor station. Its AI learns from its user over time and adapts its behaviour accordingly. Add-on modules extend its functionality to personal or commercial applications. According to Honda News, the 3E programme was developed under an open invitation model, encouraging other companies to collaborate on the platform. New Atlas noted that together the four robots represent a system rather than isolated products, each designed to complement the others across the full range of human environments.
These concepts pave the way for a generation of smart assistants capable of autonomous movement and task execution across home, work, and public contexts. For those interested in Honda's broader engineering philosophy, TheArsenale carries several custom Honda motorcycles including the Honda CB750 Tracker and the Honda CB900 Bol D'Or. Explore the full motorcycle collection for more exceptional Honda builds and custom machines.
