TOKYO MOTOR SHOW: Toyota gets autonomous

Toyota has revealed three autonomous vehicle concepts ahead of their world debut at the Tokyo motor show next week (October 25).

Designed to demonstrate how artificial intelligence (AI) could make life easier for commuters of the future, the two-seat Concept-i Ride and four-seat Concept-i are aimed at ride-sharing duties in big cities.

The larger Concept-i could become reality sooner than you think, with Toyota aiming to have a production version on the road by “around 2020”.

Closer in size to a Camry than a Corolla, it measures 4510mm long, 1830mm wide rides on a 2700mm wheelbase, but offers a high 1470mm roof for easier access.

Even less conventional is its AI functionality, which learns about occupant preferences by monitoring GPS data, body language and — perhaps worryingly — conversations between passengers.

They can interact with the vehicle and its ‘smart assistant’ via a 3D head-up display within the pristine white interior, and its electric powertain is claimed to be good for 300km.

Meantime the smaller Concept-i Ride is aimed at people with disabilities, thanks to wide-opening gullwing doors, a sliding seat that makes it easier for wheelchair users to use and a joystick to replace a steering wheel, pedals and gear shifter.

It measures just 2500mm long and 1300mm wide, offers a 100-150km ‘driving’ range, can automatically park itself and its AI assistant suggests wheelchair-friendly parking spots.

Finally, there’s the ‘Walk’ concept, a Segway-style vehicle that’s designed to get people mobile without actually walking and has a maximum battery range of 10-20km.

Of course it has a low platform for easy access and a tight turning circle for negotiating confined spaces, but there’s also an adjustable wheelbase that automatically extends at speed to improve stability.