Honda’s lawn mower history and the evolution brought about by automation
Advanced Technology Replicates Operator Skills
Please start by telling us about the history of Honda lawn mowers.
Fumihiro Yaguchi
Honda launched its first lawn mower in 1978: the walk-behind model HR21, released for the European and
North American markets. Then in 1985, Honda released its first riding lawn mower, the HT-R3009. By
overcoming the challenges that had plagued conventional lawn mowers—namely, startability, durability, and noise With its safety being highly evaluated, Honda lawn mowers gained a foothold
primarily in the European and North American markets.
Yaguchi
In 2012, Honda launched its MiimoHRM520, brand of robotic lawn mowers.
Through electric power and computer control, it performs work automatically, significantly reducing the burden on users. After that, Honda advanced research and development of professional riding lawn mowers targeting the North American landscaping market, unveiling an autonomous model prototype in 2023. In October 2024, Honda announced a concept model for the manual version, and in October 2025, it announced the autonomous model, ProZision Autonomous.
ProZision Autonomous is Honda’s first professional electric lawn mower capable of autonomous operation. It targets the North American landscaping industry, but what demand drove its development?
Yaguchi
In Europe and North America, particularly in the United States, there is a culture of maintaining
beautifully manicured lawns, from corporate grounds and parks to private residential yards.
Well-maintained lawns are also a symbol of trust, and demand for the landscapers who maintain them
remains consistently high. However, the landscaping industry faces challenges such as harsh working
conditions, labor shortages, and operator safety, and we believed that automating professional lawn
mowers was the key to making the work of landscapers sustainable.
In addition, Honda’s unique traction control system, which leverages our mobility development technologies, enables efficient work even on slopes and complex terrain. In terms of safety, omnidirectional sensing, radar, and LiDAR sensors detect obstacles, sensing changes in terrain and slowing down or stopping when encountering obstacles.
A Design That Upholds Landscapers’ Pride and Enhances Performance
The Three Key Elements of Lawn Mower Design Prioritized in ProZision Autonomous
Please tell us about ProZision Autonomous’s styling concept.
Yaguchi
The key phrase is “Bold and Iconic.” “Bold” conveys the power and robustness of a work machine, as well
as the low center of gravity and stable driving performance of ProZision Autonomous. While it is a work
machine, we incorporated elements from our identity as a mobility manufacturer. Meanwhile, “Iconic”
conveys the clarity and reliability that makes it immediately recognizable as a Honda product. By
combining simple forms that are squarely aimed at reliability and functionality as a work machine with
Honda’s signature Power Red coloring and bold logo placement, we convey the uniqueness that only Honda
can deliver in a powerful way.
As a power product for professionals, were there any points you particularly focused on?
Yaguchi
Landscapers take pride in their work. That is why we aimed for a “design that enhances professional
performance” in tune with their feelings. To achieve this, we prioritized three elements:
high-efficiency work, professional work quality, and peace of mind.
Yaguchi
First, to achieve high-efficiency work, we devised ways to reduce machine downtime (time when work stops
due to maintenance and other reasons). We used shapes that prevent grass and mud from accumulating and a
color scheme that makes dirt less noticeable. By reducing the time spent on cleaning and maintenance, we
reduce the burden on landscapers and improve work efficiency, while also contributing to improved
operational efficiency for owners.
Yaguchi
Finally, peace of mind. While sensors detect obstacles, from a design perspective, we also aimed for
styling that provides a sense of security by minimizing protrusions as much as possible and creating a
simple, rounded form. Additionally, we applied red coloring to moving parts such as wheels and casters
to increase visibility while also serving as a warning.
「高効率な作業」「プロの仕事品質」「安心感」をHondaはデザインで加速
Compared to the prototype design unveiled in 2023, the pursuit and refinement of functionality comes through even more clearly. The red (Power Red) coloring is applied functionally and effectively, giving it a strong presence as a member of Honda’s power products family, and the logo is clearly visible. I also feel that the line from the side to the rear connects in a beautiful way.
Yaguchi
The prototype was a demonstration test machine, so it contained almost no design elements. This time, as
Honda ventures into a new domain, we were conscious of creating a presence that would be immediately
recognizable as a Honda product even from a distance.
Yaguchi
The iconic red and black coloring is a design that instantly conveys Honda ‘s unique style. At the same
time, it is also designed to provide a sense of security and trust for operators and the clients who
commission the work, since they’ll know that Honda products are being used.
Additionally, to avoid contact with surroundings during storage in a garage, we incorporated a straightforward, linear configuration to make it easier to gauge the vehicle dimensions.
ProZision Autonomous Development Benefited from Automobile Design Experience
Identifying What ProZision Autonomous Needs to Be
You have previously been involved in automobile interior design, such as for the STEP WGN. How was that experience applied to the design of ProZision Autonomous?
Yaguchi
Products only create value when they reach customers and are used in their daily lives. Therefore, it is
essential to thoroughly consider what purposes they will be used for and what kind of experience they
can provide.
Yaguchi
With the STEP WGN, we focused on spaciousness and comfort so families could have a comfortable time.
Going a step further, to make travel more comfortable, we incorporated knowledge for preventing motion
sickness and held extensive discussions. In this way, we aimed to provide a riding experience that can
only be had via the STEP WGN.
Providing Unique Value Through Honda’s Human-Centric Thinking
ProZision Autonomous Embodies Value Only Honda Could Create
Honda handles a wide variety of products. How do you think this company feature benefits design development?
Yaguchi
Honda is a company unlike any other in the world, capable of designing across a broad range of domains,
from motorcycles, automobiles, and power products to jets and robots. I myself joined Honda through a
mid-career change from another company, and because I was eager to experience designing a variety of
products while at Honda, I transferred from automobiles to power products. I think having an environment
where you can take on challenges across domains is unique to Honda.
Yaguchi
The human-centric perspective cultivated in this culture and the way of expanding ideas through
discussion are definitely being applied in projects such as ProZision Autonomous that involve entering
new markets. I believe that cross-domain experience adds depth to design and supports Honda’s spirit of
continuing to take on challenges.
Yaguchi
What is important is not simply viewing advanced technology as a function, but creating designs based on
human-centric thinking and channeling this into products that make people feel glad that Honda exists.
ProZision Autonomous is one such initiative, and going forward, we want to continue providing value that
stays close to people and society.
Profiles
Fumihiro Yaguchi
Motorcycles and Power Products
Product Designer
