This week sees the biennial Tokyo Motor Show taking place at the Big Sight exhibition space; and Toyota tooks to be dominating this year’s event.
The Concept-I
The biennial Tokyo Motor Show was first held in 1954 and has acted as a showcase for all the newest bikes and cars ever since. It is famous for its emphasis on the concept – rather than production ready – cars.
In this years ‘Beyond the Motor’ themed event, designers and engineers have been looking well beyond the standard motor vehicle design – imagining what the future of the transport technology might hold.
On show was everything from smart-cars to fuel-efficient environment saving concepts.
Leading the pack as Toyota’s futuristic Concept-i. This concept was showcased last January at CES. Combining an all-electric car with a powerful AI (named the Agent) that learns all about its driver from social media, and can use facial recognition to understand your mood.
Toyota plans to test the car in 2020.
The Concept-i Ride was also shown – a joy-stick controls it the vehicle and it aimed at assisting wheelchair users.
The Concept-i Walk is designed for pedestrianized areas – looking a bit like a 3 wheeled Segway.
Alongside these Toyota showed off an all-electric bus (the Sora) and a new Japan Taxi. Both aimed at reducing pollution and both aimed to launch in time for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
For more news about the event visit eandt.theiet.org
