The Toyota Concept-i Series Hopes to Let More Folks Experience Fun and Safe Mobilty

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October 16, 2017

No motor show is complete without the cool concept cars. The upcoming 45th Tokyo Motor is no exception. And yes, this year’s show promises its fair share of concepts. Toyota Motor Corporation will even have three of them, it says.

The Concept-i Series is the Japanese carmaker’s take on future mobility, done in three types of vehicles for various needs and people.  Centered around the theme Let’s Move the World from Here. Beyond the Motor, the Toyota Concept-i Series aims to once again make the car a beloved part of society. Moreover, it hopes to give drivers and other users safety and peace of mind while at the same time, giving them new fun experiences behind the wheel.

To achieve these goals, Toyota will utilize what it says is the most advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) Agent around. This system studies the driver’s emotions, feelings, and other vital data. This will then allow it to learn and provide appropriate driving action to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

The safety or protect aspect helps keep drivers out of harm’s way, especially when they aren’t exactly fit to get behind the tiller. Say you’re having a stressful day and are in a bit of a rage. The system will take over and assist you, thus helping to ensure that you don’t take it out on other road users.

When it comes to fun on the road (inspire), the AI Agent can engage in free-wheeling conversation based on your mood, the latest news on the web, and even your social media feeds. A bit creepy, yet the idea is to try and help you let out whatever’s bottled up inside. This helps eliminate stress and even mental problems. Moreover, it can stimulate the five senses when it detects dipping alertness levels. And it can even suggest the best driving routes for a fun time at the wheel.

All these ideals are embodied in three cool concepts that make up the Toyota Concept-i Series. The four-wheeled version is a midsize electric vehicle that promises a driving range of 300kms. It packs all the said features and hopes to provide a safe yet enjoyable time on the road. And yes, it can even provide engaging conversation to boot.

The Concept-i Ride, on the other hand, is a smaller version, two-passenger version ideal for the city. Apart from its small size and 150km range, it has gullwing doors, sliding seats, and is operated by a joystick instead of the usual steering wheel and pedals. These make it possible for wheelchair-bound folks and the elderly to easily operate it and get around.

Finally, there is the Toyota Concept-i Walk. The three-wheeled, variable wheelbase conveyance is designed to help people get around easily within tight spaces. It is designed more as a vehicle for sightseeing locations and other leisurely activities, rather than replacing walking altogether. Plus, it will allow anyone, including those who have difficulty walking, get around more easily.

Yes, all three vehicles are not meant to replace the driver or how we do things like walking. Rather, Toyota hopes to give more people the freedom and joy of mobility. And Toyota hopes for this to become a reality as early as the year 2020.

Get to see these and other vehicles at the 45th Tokyo Motor Show, running from October 25 to November 5, 2017 at the Tokyo Big Sight.

About the Author

Mr. Gerard Jude Castillo
Gerard has been a self-confessed car nut ever since he was a little boy. As a grown-up, he indulges in his passion by collecting toy cars (which he started since childhood) and reading up on the latest cars out there.  As Associate Editor, he will ensure that you get your fill of the latest cars in the market, as well as a load of automotive features.