Step aside, Tesla. Honda has announced plans to demonstrate a concept for an AI-powered electric car that is also capable of “generating its own emotions” – and now we know how it might look like.
Today, Honda shared the first image from its upcoming smart car on its website along with a few more details with regards to the vehicle.
The Japanese automaker will unveil the experimental vehicle early next year at CES in Las Vegas, where attendees will have an opportunity to get a hands-on demo with the technology. Dubbed NeuV, the car will be automated and specifically designed for commuters.
“Honda will feature interactive and immersive experiences designed to showcase a future technology path toward a redefined mobility experience,” the announcement said.
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The Japanese giant first teased the technology in a press release in July, revealing the manufacturer has been working closely with third-party companies to build an “emotion engine” that stimulates interaction between drivers and vehicles. Here’s what the statement read:
Through this joint research project, Honda and SoftBank will strive to enable mobility products to utilize conversations with the driver, together with other information obtained from various sensors and cameras installed on the mobility product, both to perceive the emotions of the driver and to engage in dialogue with the driver based on the vehicle’s own emotions.
With Tesla slowly conquering the electric vehicle market, automakers have gradually transitioned into manufacturing their own electric cars. It’ll be interesting to see whether Honda has what it takes to shake things up.
More details about the NeuV will follow at CES on January 5, 2017.
via The Verge
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