Honda considering collaboration with UZH

The Japanese carmaker Honda founded a research institute in 2003, which operates in both the USA and Europe in addition to Japan. Bernhard Sendhoff, Head of Global Operations at Honda Research Institute, has now visited UZH with the aim of sounding out options for a potential collaboration, as revealed in a press release issued by UZH.

According to UZH, one of Honda’s current research focuses is smart vehicle automation. In this context, Honda is developing intelligent systems to detect, in advance, potential hazards in the fast lane. Moreover, Honda is also conducting research into what is known as cooperative intelligence. This is a form of artificial intelligence which supports people working across various sectors. Sendhoff explains: “A scenario in which an engineer is in dialog with an artificial assistant during their work, allowing them to come up with innovative, creative ideas, is certainly something that would be conceivable.”

During Sendhoff’s visit, researchers at UZH showcased various projects which may be of interest to Honda. For example, neuromorphic chips and cognition systems were presented. These are able to intelligently react to external stimuli and can be configured to carry out a wide range of tasks. According to UZH, these chips could in future outstrip similar products from industry giants such as Intel and IBM in terms of performance and energy efficiency. Furthermore, researchers also presented drones, which can retract their propeller arms in order to navigate enclosed surroundings where necessary.

Overall, it would seem that Honda and UZH are pursuing similar scientific and strategic interests. Christian Schwarzenegger, Vice President Faculty Affairs and Scientific Information at UZH, commented: “The task now is to gradually develop proposals for joint projects.”