Toyota Motor Corp plans to build a prototype “city of the future” at the base of Japan’s Mt. Fuji, powered by hydrogen fuel cells and functioning as a laboratory for autonomous cars, “smart homes,” artificial intelligence and other technologies.

At CES 2020, Toyota provided a glimpse into this future via a 360-degree immersive experience of the "Woven City" along with a variety of advanced mobility vehicles and products.

As part of its transition from a transportation company to a mobility company, Toyota has announced its intent to build the Woven City, at a 175-acre site at the base of Mt. Fuji in Japan.

Visitors to the Toyota display walk into a circular theater and are immediately immersed into what life will be like in Woven City when it is completed. Viewers see visuals of a living and working environment that embraces and interweaves both nature and technology. Automated technology moves freely and safely throughout the city and serves to liberate the residents from basic tasks. The city is planned to be fully sustainable, with buildings made mostly of wood to help minimize the carbon footprint and using traditional Japanese wood joinery, combined with robotic production methods. The rooftops will be covered in photo-voltaic panels to generate solar power in addition to power generated by hydrogen fuel cells. Toyota plans to weave in the outdoors throughout the city, with native vegetation and hydroponics.

The city will have police, fire and ambulance services, schools and could be home to a mix of Toyota employees, retirees and others.

The development, to be built on the site of a car factory that is planned to be closed by the end of 2020, will begin with 2,000 residents in coming years, and also serve as a home to researchers.

Toyota did not disclose costs for the project, whose construction is scheduled to start next year.

Overview of Mobility Products

The Toyota display includes examples of the types of mobility products that may be found throughout Woven City. They include: e-Palette, Micro-Palette, LQ, Walking Area BEVs and HSR.

e-Palette

Toyota's first battery electric vehicle developed specifically for Mobility as a Service (MaaS) applications. The vehicle will feature automated driving capability. In addition, it offers a low-floor and open concept interior, providing endless configuration options.

Micro-Palette

Autonomous delivery robot that utilizes omni-directional wheels for maximum maneuverability. It is intended to be a multi-use device for product and package handling. It allows for truck to doorstep delivery, warehouse inventory movement, building-to-building transport of goods and neighborhood delivery of products.

LQ

A next-generation, battery electric advanced technology concept vehicle with automated level 4 SAE driving capability. Features a new artificial intelligence system called "Yui" that learns from the driver and provides a personalized mobility experience based on driving preferences and tastes

Walking Area BEVs

Three types for different applications: standing BEV, sitting BEV and wheelchair-link BEV. Standing BEV allows for travel along pedestrian pathways supporting short trips and last-mile needs. The sitting-type and wheelchair-link personal mobility devices are designed for those who have difficulty walking and those in wheelchairs

HSR

Robot designed to support basic needs. It uses automated functionality and AI technology to learn surrounding environments and to recognize objects and avoid obstacles. It has voice control capability to allow for simple commands.