Honda NeuV concept for CES 2017

The Japanese have always been the masters of the micro van and now Honda is plotting a self-driving, self-sentient robotic compact van called the Honda NeuV.

Making its global premiere at the 2017 Consumer Electronics Show or CES in Las Vegas in early January, the tiny NeuV looks like something straight out of a Japanese sci-fi cartoon or perhaps from a moon base.

Propelled by an electric powertrain for potential zero emission motoring, but the real power behind the tiny NeuV is a new strain of artificial intelligence or AI.

Self-driving cars are one thing, but Honda says the NeuV's "emotion engine" will create "new possibilities for human interaction and new value for customers".

What this means will no doubt be revealed at the concept van's premiere in the USA early in 2017, but it may involve the adoption of robotics that Honda has been peddling for almost two decades, personified by ASIMO, it's robot avatar.

The dinky little van will be shown off alongside a number of other projects in development at Honda, some of which are partnerships with other global brands and startup companies which "will create a more productive and enjoyable mobility experience," says the company.

Car makers right around globe are increasingly partnering with smaller companies to fast-track next-generation technologies and flesh out new ideas, especially in areas such as robotics, AI, big data, autonomous driving and connected cars and infrastructure.

Honda will reveal a number of new projects under the "Cooperative Mobility Ecosystem" umbrella at CES, with the primary objective being smoother, more efficient and more convenient personal transportation systems that will cut traffic congestion and emissions.

The resurgent Japanese car maker's R&D chief, Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, will make a keynote speech at CES too, outlining a new concept motorbike that employs Honda's robotics know-how.

It all kicks off on January 5, 2017, at CES in Las Vegas. Stay tuned for all the big stories.