The 2017 Consumer Electronics Show was all about mobility this year and keeping with this ongoing theme was Toyota. The Japanese car maker is known for its quirky concepts and this one is no exception. The company introduced the Concept-i - an advanced, artificial intelligence-equipped vehicle that learns and grows with the driver. Like most autonomous vehicles, the Concept-i was designed around the driver.
Toyota Concept-i
It has been designed by Toyota's Calty Design Research Centre in Newport Beach, California and yes, it may look outrageous, but trust us when we tell you that it's all part of an advanced platform. While there are a few of us who wonder if we've seen this design before, maybe on the Audi from the movie 'I, Robot' or BMW's Vision Self Driving car. But Toyota plainly explains it by saying that it has 'designed the Concept-I inside out to foster a warm and friendly user experience'.
Concept-i leverages the power of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system to anticipate people's needs, 'inspire their imaginations and improve their lives' as the folks at Toyota put it. The powerful artificial intelligence system is named 'Yui' and this is able to connect the car to the person behind the wheel, gradually learning things like driving patterns, schedules, frequent stops and much more.
Concept-i leverages the power of an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system
With a number of advanced automated technologies, the Concept-i is also able to ensure enhanced safety for the driver. Those systems include visual and haptic stimuli that monitor activity behind the wheel while both in autonomous and normal driving modes. The advanced interface system is centered on the dash and there's no place for a typical touchscreen setup. There's something more simplistic. Toyota calls it a 'visual representation' of the AI system that's able to immediately communicate critical information to drivers and passengers alike.
Toyota Concept-i Cabin
This system makes use of uses light, sound, and even touch to interact with those in the cabin. Since there are no screens inside, the Concept-i provides information only where and when it is needed. There are coloured lights in the foot wells which indicate whether the car is in normal or autonomous driving mode, while projectors warn of possible blind spots. There's a lot of technology on the exterior too. While we all see the aerodynamic body shape, there are features which give the relationship between the car and the occupants a new meaning. The door panels are able to greet the driver and passenger as they approach, while the rear of the vehicle displays text and signals to communicate any upcoming hazards. We can see a prominent 'Watch Out!' sign at the rear and this makes it extremely interesting. The front fascia is also able to communicate whether the car is in a normal or automated driving mode.
Toyota Concept-i is Likely to Get an Electric Powertrain
There is no word on what powers the Toyota Concept-i but it's likely it'll get an electric powertrain. Of course we don't expect it to get anywhere close to production but we're sure the technologies used and produced through this concept, make it to some of the production models soon.
