There are loads to look forward to at the Tokyo Motor Show; Mazda’s showcase of their new direction concepts, Mitsubishi’s e-Evolution and now this, Toyota’s Concept-i.
It revolves around three main features – the LEARN system that estimates emotion and level of alertness by reading the driver’s expressions, actions, and tone of voice in a complex manner. It will even learn the driver’s news and content preference based on studies on the individual’s social media activity.
Based on this technology, the Concept-i follows up with innovations like the PROTECT, covering the areas of safety and peace of mind and INSPIRE, with a focus on driving pleasure. With PROTECT, the car automatically assumes responsibility of the controls if it deems necessary and switches to automated driving if it’s detected that the driver is overwhelmed with dangerous or high-stress conditions.
It also supports the driver by stimulating the five senses, including vision, touch and smell depending on driver’s emotion, degree of fatigue, and level of alertness and helps keep the driver alert and more relaxed when in a drowsy or stressed state of mind.
As for the INSPIRE approach which invokes “fun to drive” experiences, the Concept-i engages in conversation based on the emotions and preferences of the driver. The car is able to suggest topics of interest based on the driver’s mood – achieving a completely new style of two-way free conversation.
By understanding the driver’s emotions and behaviour, the Concept-i can deliver fresh experiences by suggesting new, enjoyable routes as slight detours. Toyota plans to have the Toyota Concept-i rolled out by 2020 and conduct road tests of vehicles equipped with some of the concept car’s functions from this exhibition in Japan.
