Honda introduced its new 3E (Empower, Experience, Empathy) Robotics Concept at CES 2018, demonstrating a range of experimental technologies engineered to understand people’s needs and make their lives better. Through a suite of robotic concepts expressing a variety of functions and designs, Honda shared its vision of a society where robotics and AI can assist people in many situations such as disaster recovery, recreation and learning from human interaction to become more helpful and empathetic.
Honda’s 3E Robotics Concept is part of the company’s core areas of focus at CES 2018: robotics, mobility, and energy management. Honda intends to pursue these areas through its “open innovation” approach, developing technology themes that foster collaboration with partners who share Honda’s vision. Rather than stand-alone devices that work independently, Honda envisions robotics as multiple devices that work together as a system, enabling people to expand their life’s potential.
At CES 2018, Honda is also showcasing Mobile Power Pack World, featuring the broad application of a swappable, rechargeable battery pack and exchanger system that allows for easy storage of excess renewable energy. From powering vehicles to running home appliances, the system provides a flexible energy solution that can improve people’s lives, especially in regions where the energy supply may be unstable.
“Honda views robotics not as something in conflict with people, but as an opportunity to expand their potential,” said Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, president & CEO of Honda R&D Co., Ltd. “We have entered an era when robotics will become increasingly visible and essential in our everyday lives and have the ability to unlock human potential.”
3E – Empower
“Empower” represents Honda’s concept that robotics and people can work together while leveraging each other’s strengths. Honda demonstrated this idea through the 3E-D18, an autonomous off-road workhorse device utilizing AI to support people in a broad range of work activities. Designed by Honda R&D Americas, 3E-D18 is outfitted with an electric-powered drivetrain and can accommodate a multitude of attachments, bringing efficiencies and increasing safety for public, commercial, and consumer enterprises, including search and rescue, fire fighting, construction, and agriculture. The 3E-D18 robotic device has the potential to minimize human exposure to dangerous environments and can perform time-consuming chores or mundane tasks.
Based on Honda’s ATV chassis, which has a 30-year history of accessing hard-to-reach locations, 3E-D18 is equipped with four-wheel drive and aggressive, virtually indestructible airless tires, enabling it to climb almost any obstacle. The 3E-D18 features GPS and sensor-based autonomy, which are capable of guiding the unit in almost any environment. Its small size makes it super maneuverable and perfect for a variety of environments.
Honda also displayed 3E-B18, a robotic device designed for casual use in indoor or outdoor spaces, empowering people to be mobile in a variety of situations. With additional attachments, the 3E-B18 platform can be used to support people with their daily activities such as a baggage cart or a stroller. Its compact size and ability to turn in a small radius enable it to navigate in tight spaces, while the height-adjustable seating features a function to maintain a level seat even when it is driven uphill or downhill. 3E-B18’s narrow footprint allows it to maneuver as flexibly as a pedestrian so that it can be used in many locations.
For 3E-B18, Honda envisions a base platform powered by Honda’s Mobile Power Pack that can be outfitted with AI sensors for autonomous operation, and that connects with several attachments to create a range of use scenarios.
3E – Experience
“Experience” represents the idea that people and robotic devices grow together by interacting with each other, becoming even more useful for people and society as a whole. This concept is demonstrated in 3E-C18, a small-sized electric robotic device created to serve as a mobile platform supporting the activities of entrepreneurs, artists, and others who are seeking new ways to create value for society. The AI-enabled platform can learn by observing how people act and operate autonomously. The cart-like platform offers carrying spaces and a canopy combined with a compact-sized vehicle body base, which has a driving function.
In addition to being able to accommodate various add-ons for both personal and commercial use, the base platform of the 3E-C18 can also be equipped with a Mobile Power Pack, which will free the robot from any restrictions related to charging time.
3E – Empathy
“Empathy” represents the concept that robotic devices have compassion toward and can achieve a mutual empathy with people while providing support for human activities. To realize this concept, Honda has applied AI to its 3E-A18 device, which enables the robot to communicate and cooperate with people.
Developed to seamlessly support people in their everyday lives, 3E-A18 can serve as a guide at places such as airports or shopping malls where many people gather. The 3E-A18 is capable of offering information and care by understanding the individual needs of people and analyzing their surroundings and expressions.
Recognizing many people experience the need for comfort when placed in stressful situations, as exemplified by the wide-spread use of service animals, 3E-A18 is designed with a soft exterior skin that invites people to touch or hug the robot. 3E-A18 can communicate a range of facial expressions that are simple and easy-to-understand, facilitating friendly and comfortable communication between people and robots.
Equipped with an omni-directional driving wheel, the 3E-A18 robotic device is able to move in any direction.
Mobile Power Pack World
The Mobile Power Pack World showcases Honda’s holistic view of how a renewable energy source can be applied to power small-sized electric mobility products, digital devices, and home appliances. As generating renewable energy does not necessarily coincide with energy demand—such as wind power generation at night when demand is low—Honda envisions harnessing surplus energy and storing it in efficient, portable batteries. The Honda Mobile Power Pack is a portable, swappable, rechargeable battery that can be utilized as a power source for a variety of situations. Each Honda Mobile Power Pack has an output of 1kWh or more, and multiple Power Packs can be used simultaneously, making it possible to use the Power Pack as a power source for electric motorcycles and small-sized electric mobility products. Utilizing portable, exchangeable batteries eliminates re-charge times currently associated with electric vehicles.
When combined with the Honda Mobile Power Pack Charge & Supply – Portable Concept charger/discharger, the Mobile Power Pack can be utilized as a power source for recreational activities or during an emergency. The charger/discharger not only charges the Mobile Power Pack, but also utilizes it as a power source for connected electrical devices. Equipped with wheels, the Mobile Power Pack Charge & Supply – Portable Concept is easy to carry around, and is waterproof and dustproof enabling it to be used in outdoor locations for recreational activities. Honda also exhibited the Mobile Power Pack Charge & Supply – Expandable Concept, which can be used as a power source inside the home accommodating multiple electronic devices. The Mobile Power Pack communicates with other devices and can collect data regarding how it is being used and then send the data to other devices while getting recharged.
Further showcasing convenient energy solutions is the Honda Mobile Power Pack Exchanger Concept, which shows how a charging station unit can charge multiple units of the Honda Mobile Power Pack at once and supply replacement mobile power packs. Honda envisions the Exchangers being used at street-corner locations to supply replacement battery packs for people who use small-sized electric mobility products. In addition, the Exchanger can contribute to the stabilization of electricity supply by supplying electricity to the grid from the Power Packs within the station during peak electricity demand.
To show how the Mobile Power Pack connects to everyday personal mobility, Honda exhibited the PCX Electric, an all-electric scooter outfitted with Honda’s unique high-output electric motor and a removable Honda Mobile Power Pack, and the Honda Mobile Power Pack 4W-Vehicle Concept, a compact and agile EV based on the Honda Pioneer 500 side-by-side. Equipped with slots for two Honda Mobile Power Packs on each side, this Zero-Emission vehicle enables more fun and less impact to the environment on various occasions, including off-road situations.
Green SM launches 500 electric SUVs in Southern California with company-employed drivers and a fleet it owns.
Green SM has entered the U.S. market with a 500-vehicle electric fleet in Los Angeles, introducing a ride-hailing model built around company-owned cars and full-time drivers. The Vietnamese company is betting that consistent service and an employment-based workforce can help it stand out in a market dominated by Uber and Lyft.
Green SM launches its U.S. ride-hailing service with a fleet of 500 VinFast VF 8 electric SUVs.
A Fleet Built Around the VinFast VF 8
Every vehicle in Green SM’s initial Los Angeles fleet is a five-seat VinFast VF 8 electric SUV. The company says its vehicles are operating across Los Angeles County and extending into Orange County.
Customers can request rides through the Green SM app, call the company’s hotline or hail a vehicle on the street. Fares depend on time and distance, while the company is promoting discounted rides to attract new customers.
The VF 8 serves as Green SM’s primary vehicle for its Los Angeles operations.
Company Drivers Instead of Gig Workers
Green SM’s main distinction is its employment model. The company owns its vehicles and employs its drivers, providing training, maintenance and scheduled shifts rather than relying on independent contractors using their own cars.
The approach is designed to create a more consistent service experience. Drivers complete a selection and onboarding process before beginning work, while the company manages the vehicles and their upkeep.
Green SM employs its drivers directly and manages the vehicles used for its ride-hailing service.
Discounts for Early Customers
Green SM is offering new customers 50% off their first five rides, with a maximum discount of $12 per trip. Its Green Pass membership also includes 10 monthly vouchers offering 30% off, capped at $10 per ride.
The company has also identified airport transfers as a potential service. However, the arrangements and timing for operations at Los Angeles International Airport have not been publicly detailed.
The VF 8’s cabin provides the passenger space used for Green SM’s ride-hailing trips.
Green SM Enters a Competitive Market
Los Angeles is Green SM’s first U.S. market. The business began in Vietnam in 2023 and has since expanded into other international markets.
Its arrival adds another competitor to Southern California’s evolving transportation sector, where conventional ride-hailing companies and autonomous vehicle services are expanding their presence. Green SM’s strategy centers on combining electric vehicles with company-managed operations rather than relying on a gig-based workforce.
Green SM is entering a competitive market as electric and autonomous transportation services continue to expand.
The company’s long-term prospects will depend on customer demand, service reliability and its ability to expand beyond its initial fleet. For now, its Los Angeles launch offers a different approach to electric ride-hailing in the United States.
The automaker is inviting select R1 and R2 owners to try a new route-based driving assistant before a wider U.S. rollout.
Rivian is preparing to expand its driver-assistance technology with Point to Point, a system designed to handle more of a journey than conventional hands-free highway assistance. The first phase will be limited to selected customers, with a broader rollout planned for 2027.
Rivian is starting its latest driving technology program with eligible owners of newer R1 models and the R2.
From Highway Assistance to Full Routes
Point to Point builds on Rivian’s existing Universal Hands-Free system. It is designed to follow a planned route, including turns, highway merges and surface streets, while the driver remains responsible for supervising the vehicle.
The technology combines the vehicle’s sensors and cameras with Rivian’s Large Driving Model, which interprets surrounding conditions and helps determine how the vehicle should respond.
Point to Point aims to manage more of a planned journey while requiring the driver to remain attentive.
Who Can Join the Early Access Program?
The initial program targets eligible Gen 2 R1 and R2 owners in California and Florida. Applicants must have an active paid Autonomy+ subscription; free trials do not qualify.
Rivian will consider existing use of its driver-assistance features, recent safety records and a balance of vehicle models and regions when selecting participants. Owners can register their interest through the Autonomy Early Access tile in their Rivian account.
Eligible owners can register their interest through their Rivian account.
Testing Comes With Conditions
Selected participants must use the preview features weekly, report issues and complete monthly surveys. They must also agree to data collection that includes location and camera data, under a non-disclosure agreement.
The program is unpaid, and Rivian can reassess participants’ eligibility every 30 days. First-generation R1 vehicles and Canadian owners are excluded from the initial phase.
Camera and sensor data are part of the technology Rivian is developing and evaluating.
A Wider Rollout Is Planned for 2027
Rivian expects Point to Point to reach a broader group of Autonomy+ customers in 2027, following the early-access phase. Feedback from interested owners outside California and Florida may also help inform which states are considered for expansion.
The R2 is among the vehicles targeted for the initial program, with wider availability expected to follow.
Point to Point remains a Level 2 driver-assistance system, not fully autonomous driving. Drivers must stay attentive and be ready to take control at all times.
Green and Smart Mobility enters the U.S. market with an all-electric taxi and ride-hailing service.
GSM Expands Into the United States
Los Angeles is GSM’s first U.S. market and its ninth country of operation. Before entering the United States, the company operated in Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan, Denmark and the Netherlands.
The launch gives GSM a presence in North America as it pursues a broader international expansion strategy. Its all-electric fleet also connects the company’s growth to the development of electric mobility services, particularly in major cities where taxis and ride-hailing vehicles can accumulate substantial daily mileage.
GSM is expanding its all-electric mobility business into the United States with its launch in Los Angeles.
The scale of the company’s U.S. operation, including its initial fleet size, service coverage and passenger pricing, will be important factors in determining how quickly it can establish a presence in the local market.
VinFast Connection and Electric Vehicle Strategy
GSM is closely linked to VinFast, the Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer. The taxi operator has previously said it intends to purchase up to one million VinFast electric vehicles between 2026 and 2030, a target that would make fleet demand a significant part of its relationship with the automaker.
The planned purchases could support VinFast by creating a large potential source of demand for its vehicles. For GSM, meanwhile, using electric vehicles across its mobility operations aligns its fleet strategy with its focus on all-electric transportation.
VinFast is the vehicle supplier connected to GSM’s plans for expanding its electric mobility fleet.
However, the stated purchase target is a multi-year intention rather than confirmation that all the vehicles have already been ordered or delivered. The pace of deployment will depend on the company’s expansion plans and the operational requirements of each market.
GSM’s International Expansion Plans
The Los Angeles launch forms part of a wider international growth strategy. GSM has previously outlined plans to deploy fleets in the United States and Sweden, as well as expand its presence in the Netherlands. The company has also indicated that it wants to enter additional European markets in 2027.
Its U.S. entry is therefore one part of a larger effort to build an international electric mobility business. Expanding across multiple markets could increase the company’s operating scale, although each country presents different regulatory requirements, competitive conditions and customer expectations.
GSM is seeking to expand its electric taxi operations beyond its established Asian and European markets.
The company’s financial scale is another area of interest as it prepares for a potential Hong Kong stock market listing. GSM has been preparing for a possible pre-IPO phase, while previous valuation discussions have placed the business at approximately $20 billion, based on advice reportedly received by the company.
Vietnamese brokerage VNDirect estimated that GSM generated approximately $1 billion in gross merchandise value in 2025. Gross merchandise value represents the total value of transactions facilitated through a business and should not be confused with revenue or profit. GSM does not publicly disclose detailed financial results.
What the Los Angeles Launch Means for GSM
GSM’s entry into Los Angeles establishes its first North American operation and expands its international footprint to nine markets. The company’s strategy combines electric vehicle deployment, ride-hailing services and an existing relationship with VinFast.
The next indicators to watch will include fleet expansion, geographic coverage, passenger demand and the company’s ability to compete with established ride-hailing operators. Its potential listing in Hong Kong could also become an important milestone as it seeks to finance and scale its international business.
For now, the Los Angeles launch marks a significant geographic expansion for GSM. Its longer-term success will depend on how effectively it translates its experience in other markets into a competitive U.S. operation.
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