Honda bets on AI to optimize business

Japanese automotive giant Honda has taken an innovative approach by actively encouraging its employees to use artificial intelligence in their daily work. The company has developed a special three-tier certification program that measures staff skills in this area.

The most successful employees can benefit from a monthly bonus of approximately 920 dollars.

How does the certification system work?

  • Knowledge levels: The assessment involves written tests and practical interviews.
  • High criteria: Currently, only 280 out of 45,000 employees have successfully passed the tests, and only ten receive the top bonus.
  • Long-term strategy: Honda plans to train 1,000 AI experts in the coming years to serve as drivers of digital transformation.

The investment in AI comes against the backdrop of the company's drive to optimize costs and increase its competitiveness. Similar practices are beginning to take hold at other Japanese corporations such as FamilyMart and All Nippon Airways, although their implementation remains a challenge due to the risk of subjectivity and a sense of inequality.