Toyota plans to launch smart electric cars that can understand humans

Toyota has unveiled a family of three concept cars as its vision for a future where cars and humans work together to provide freedom of movement and enjoyable transportation for as many people as possible. The cars are said to use artificial intelligence ( AI ) to recognize emotions and estimate driver preferences. Combined with autonomous driving technology, safety is maximized. The three vehicles, all with electric drivetrains, will be on display at next week's Tokyo Motor Show.

They expanded on ideas proposed by the groundbreaking four-seat Concept-i, which was unveiled at the International Consumer Electronics Show in January and whose development focused on creating an immersive user experience.

Toyota has now added the Concept-i RIDE, a two-seater vehicle designed to allow anyone to move freely, including wheelchair users and the elderly. In addition, the series has added the Concept-i WALK (a vehicle designed for pedestrian areas) that can move freely on sidewalks and other pedestrian areas. All three concept cars feature AI Agent - a name given to the function that can understand people.

It uses voice recognition to provide appropriate responses and actions to the driver's questions or requests; anticipates the driver's needs by seamlessly monitoring and protecting the driver; and proactively initiates communication and provides recommendations to the driver.

The Toyota concept car is able to determine the driver's mood and alertness by reading expressions, movements and tone of voice. It estimates the driver's preferences by comparing general information (such as online news) with information about the individual (such as social media activity, GPS information and conversation history in the car). The Concept-i continuously monitors the driver's condition and the car, and can switch to autonomous driving if the driver's distress is overcome in a dangerous or high-stress situation.

It stimulates the senses when drivers are feeling drowsy, putting them into an alert state and making them feel more relaxed when stress levels are high.

Its AI Agent technology allows for conversations based on the driver's emotions and preferences. The car suggests topics of interest based on the driver's mood, enabling a whole new style of two-way conversation. It also creates a "mood map" by regularly mapping the driver's emotions and GPS data. By collecting data on individual emotions and using this information as big data , the Toyota Concept-i series of cars can provide a fresh experience by suggesting some new and enjoyable routes (with a slight detour).

The vehicle design features a futuristic silhouette and a simple and open interior with the Agent located in the center of the dashboard. It also provides a new user experience by using a 3D head-up display to intuitively interact with the Agent. Toyota plans to conduct road tests of vehicles equipped with certain Concept-i features in Japan around 2020. Its driving range is about 300 kilometers. Toyota Concept-i RIDE features gull-wing doors, electric universal sliding seats, and a joystick for user-friendly operation within a range of 100-150 kilometers.

The opening and closing of the gull-wing doors supports wheelchair loading and unloading, while the power seat slides into the entryway for easy transfer between wheelchair and car. The wheelchair can be easily stored in the rear. The joystick eliminates the steering wheel, accelerator and brake pedals, making it easy to use for almost anyone. The compact vehicle size allows wheelchair users to park in regular single-parking spaces. The AI ​​agent actively provides information to support and enhance outings, such as the location of accessible facilities.

When one person is driving, the driver's seat is in the center. Toyota also envisions this car participating in ride-sharing services. Toyota Concept-i WALK is compact and has a range of 10-20 kilometers for short-distance movement, such as between sightseeing spots. Three wheels, a variable wheelbase mechanism and steering function make it easy to operate. It can rotate on the spot and its low level makes it easy for people to get on and off the vehicle. It talks to the Agent and gets data from the sensors in the handle . If the vehicle senses danger while driving, it warns the driver and takes evasive measures.

The World Time Attack Challenge’s track commentary team summed it up best and declared it the ‘fastest Amarok in the world’. “We’re really proud of the Amarok V6, which we’ve always considered to be the leader in terms of power,” said Carlos Santos, director of Volkswagen Australia. “Thanks to this incredible team of Volkswagen Apprentices, we’ve been able to prove just how capable the Amarok is – 550Nm is perfect for towing a boat or caravan; now we can add smashing times to that list.” With history in hand, thoughts turn to next year’s challenge – perhaps the next Apprentice will go up against Eastern Creek’s 213kW AWD Golf R?