[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ttendees at the International Consumer Electronics Show, which ended on Friday, got first-hand look at the future of mobility, meaning a cleaner, safer and more convenient vehicle.
Toyota showcased a host of automated, connected and zero-emission technologies at the event, giving conference-goers a window into a world where vehicles can not only take care of themselves; they also take care of you.
“At Toyota, we see the vehicle of the future as more than just a mode of transportation,” said Bob Carter, senior vice president of automotive operations for Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A. Inc. “Instead, it will be something more useful, accessible and exciting than ever before. The next generation connected and automated vehicles will optimize their own operational capabilities and deliver comfort, convenience and joy to passengers – and they’ll be arriving sooner than you think.”
Technologies displayed included the TOYOTA Smart Center, the heart of Toyota’s vision for a Smart Mobility Society that connects people, vehicles and communities. The powerful, secure and private cloud-based computing system collects secure vehicle data, analyzes information from millions of vehicles around the globe and provides customers with personalized services that make life easier; and next generation connected service systems such as Agent+, which leverages multiple factors including day, time, location and driving history to predict likely destinations and help guide you there quickly and efficiently.
The Mobility Teammate Concept, which demonstrates Toyota’s more than 20 years of research and development into automated driving technologies, showcased Toyota’s approach to automated driving – building relationships between people and cars to help them team up in pursuit of safe and enjoyable driving.
There was also a deep learning and artificial intelligence display, where scale model Prius connected vehicles learn from and share with each other in real time to create a safe driving environment.
Displayed too was Toyota FCV Plus concept vehicle, which demonstrates Toyota’s vision of a connected, sustainable hydrogen society. The concept vehicle showcased the potential of hydrogen fuel cell technology beyond just the automotive industry, and is capable of generating electricity directly from hydrogen stored outside the vehicle and thus operating as a stable source of electric power for use at home or on the go.
While many of the vehicles and technologies on display at the Toyota exhibit are future concepts, some – like telematics systems such as Agent+, may be coming soon to Toyota vehicles.
