Japanese automaker Honda plans to increase its in-house artificial intelligence (AI) experts to over 1,000 in the coming years, more than tripling its current workforce. Certified professionals participating in AI projects will receive a monthly bonus of up to 150,000 yen (approximately 130,000 won) in addition to their regular salary. This strategy aims to cultivate employees familiar with automotive development into AI experts, driving innovation while preventing talent loss through additional compensation. Honda anticipates that utilizing AI could reduce vehicle development time from the current five years to around three.
According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on September 9, there are currently about 280 certified in-house AI experts. Hirotake Okubo, head of Honda's AI Innovation Department, stated in an interview with Nikkei, "It is best for someone who understands the work to utilize AI rather than having external experts dictate what to do."
Focusing on developing internal capabilities rather than outsourcing is also aimed at improving efficiency. Okubo pointed out that relying entirely on external firms can lead to significant delays, from explaining needs to defining system requirements.
The core of Honda's in-house AI talent development is the 'Generative AI Expert System' introduced in 2024 under the direction of President Toshihiro Mibe. This system aims to identify AI talent scattered throughout the company and reward them according to their abilities. Employees with AI skills can pass exams and undergo interviews and document evaluations to achieve certification at levels one to three. Level one supports AI utilization, while level two allows for direct system construction.
The highest level, three, involves acting as an in-house consulting partner, requiring not only technical skills but also the ability to persuade the organization. Certified employees must propose AI implementation strategies to managers and continuously refine and execute these plans. Okubo explained, "While AI technology can be learned, actual utilization requires collaboration from those familiar with the work."
Certified employees lead AI implementation in their departments and receive a monthly bonus of up to 150,000 yen when participating in company AI projects. Honda uses this system to monitor AI personnel and project status across departments. Okubo noted that Tochigi Prefecture, where the development department is located, is not particularly popular as a workplace, stating, "We will offer appropriate salaries to AI talent to prevent external loss."
However, the additional compensation is not intended to be permanent. The company has formalized that the program will end once AI capabilities become widespread and the market wage for AI engineers aligns with that of regular employees. The intent is to reward rare expertise while ending special treatment once those skills become commonplace.
The status of the AI promotion organization has also been elevated. In April, Honda upgraded its existing Advanced AI Division to the AI Innovation Department and expanded its workforce by several dozen. In June, the department was moved from the Corporate Management Headquarters, which focused on management tasks, to the Corporate Strategy Headquarters. Okubo explained that this change signals a significant enhancement in AI, digital, and data utilization.
This organization also contributes to Honda's 'Triple Half' goal, which aims to halve the total working hours for vehicle development in terms of time, cost, and personnel. Nikkei reported that AI utilization could reduce vehicle development time by about 40%, from five years to around three.
When asked about potential organizational restructuring due to AI implementation, Okubo stated, "There are no dramatic changes that would eliminate other organizations at this time, but groups are working to enhance efficiency through AI in each sector."
Honda is also working to accumulate the knowledge of skilled technicians. Concerns arose in 2021 when Honda announced plans to phase out engine use by 2040, fearing that the retirement of engine technicians could lead to a loss of knowledge. In response, the company established a 'Knowledge Database.' When development materials are uploaded to the system, AI identifies missing information, and engineers can supplement it to meet certain criteria for registration. This initiative aims to preserve the experience and knowledge of skilled technicians for use by other employees.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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