The Tokyo Motor Show is set to be filled with innovative ideas from Japanese manufacturer Toyota. The brand is due to showcase no less than five new vehicle concepts on November 20th, including the sensational ‘FV2’ (Fun Vehicle 2)– a car that can be controlled by emotions.
Nothing quite captures Toyota’s ‘Fun to Drive’ philosophy – and makes use of so many advanced technologies – as well as this concept vehicle. Forming “stronger physical and emotional connections with the driver”, the car is missing a steering wheel – you power it with subtle body movements. Developing “aspects of trust and understanding, similar to those a rider will have with a horse”, voice and image recognition is also utilised. Sensing your mood, the car can draw on a history of routes to suggest destinations, and will present driving tips on a screen. An augmented reality (AR) display can be presented on the windscreen; the body colour and exterior display can be changed at will.
The car uses intelligent transport system technology to ‘communicate’ with nearby vehicles and infrastructure, providing safety information and warnings. To give a sense of how the FV2 will work, Toyota has built an app that simulates some of the FV2 driving experience.
Toyota Heart Project
This is a communication research project based around “Inspiring the Heart, Inspiring You”. The programme makes use of Toyota’s humanoid robots, Kirobo and Mirata, and utilises advanced communication technologies and artificial intelligence (AI). The aim is to allow humans and machines to share not just speech but expressions, gestures and memories. Further research could see AI that grows with people and can develop feelings, fondness and trust. Toyota says the research has been conducted “using an open innovation method, making use of diverse knowledge and technology obtained outside organisational frameworks” and the project will “inspire people and achieve a rapport between humans and machines that can make life more enjoyable and rewarding.”
The FCV from Toyota will also make its debut at the Tokyo Motor show
Toyota will also debut their FCV (Fuel Cell Vehicle) concept, due to launch in 2015. This is a hydrogen-powered car with a range of around 300 miles and a refueling time of 3 minutes. Aside from the impressive environmental credentials, the FCV has been made compact and high-performance at a reduced cost.
In a press release, Toyota says; “The FCV Concept’s exterior design expresses the key characteristics of a fuel cell vehicle: the transformation of air into water as the system produces electricity; and the powerful acceleration delivered by the electric drive motor. The front end features pronounced air intakes, while an air-to-water theme is captured in the flowing liquid profile of the doors, a wave motif on the filler cap and a rear-end treatment inspired by the stern of a catamaran.”
Toyota will also showcase their JPN Taxi Concept (focusing on easy access and green credentials); the Voxy and Noah concepts, 7-seat MPV models for the Japanese market; and the Aqua G Sports.