Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) has just introduced “LQ”, a high-tech concept car that can create an emotional bond with its driver. This car is a development of the Toyota “Concept-i” which was previously launched at the 2017 Consumer Electronic Show.
The Toyota LQ is an automatic steering car equipped with “Yui”, artificial intelligence (AI) designed to learn the habits of the driver, thus providing a unique automatic driving experience for everyone.
LQ Development Leader, Daisuke Ido, said that in the past, our love for cars was built from its ability to take us for adventures to the far place. Advances in technology give us the power to adapt to consumer needs.
“With LQ, we are proud to be able to present a vehicle that can provide a personalized experience, meet each person’s unique driving needs, and create a strong emotional bond between the car and its driver,” he said.
As a mobility company, Toyota believes that if everyone is free to move, everything is possible. This vision is built on the understanding that mobility can move beyond than just the movement of people from one place to another, but also involves emotional attachment in the process.
LQ follows a philosophy that adheres to the principle of “Learn, Grow, Love”. Yui and LQ’s automatic steering technology was developed in collaboration with the Toyota Research Institute (TRI). Create a unique driving experience that builds a relationship between the vehicle and its driver by responding to and learning individual habits and needs.
The choice of this name also expresses Toyota’s hope that the approach taken can be a “signal” for future vehicle development, where the relationship between the vehicle and its driver becomes an essential thing.
“Yui” as a key feature in this future car
LQ presents an onboard AI named “Yui” which can present a personalized experience in driving, according to the emotional state and alertness of its driver. This AI technology can interact with the driver to ensure safety and comfort.
Yui is integrated with the functions in the driver’s seat to increase alertness and reduce stress. Then the AI is also able to adjust the level of light in the vehicle, air conditioning, aroma, and other human-machine interaction (HMI). Yui is also able to choose music that suits the atmosphere and presents real-time information on favorable topics by the driver.
TRI collaborates with several well-known companies in the research, development, and implementation of this technology. Starting from JTB Corporation (navigation), NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (communication), and AWA Co., Ltd. (music). In the future, Toyota will continue to develop Yui to be integrated with other products such as smartphones.
Technology that guarantees safety, tranquility, and comfort in driving
Toyota LQ is equipped with automatic steering technology which is equivalent to SAE2 Level 4. This vehicle also features an automatic valet parking system developed with Panasonic Corporation. Utilizing cameras in vehicles and parking lots, sonar and radar, 2D road mapping, and control centers, these vehicles are programmed to stop at drop-off points and look for parking spaces optimally.
This system can find the optimal parking spot with a minimum distance of 20 centimeters between vehicles on each side. This certainly can facilitate the driver, especially for individuals with special needs such as the elderly, physical limitations, pregnant women, drivers who bring babies, and all those who have difficulty in finding parking spots.
Toyota LQ is also equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) technology which is implemented in the Augmented Reality Head-Up Display (AR-HUD), supporting driving safety by reducing the driver’s eye movement.
This technology presents a variety of driving information such as lane warnings, traffic signs, and route guidance that will be displayed on the wind-shield in 3D and easy to understand. This system will cause the driver’s view to keep focus ahead through the large screen (equivalent to 230 inches) with a depth of 7-41 meters to the front of the vehicle.
The comfort of the Toyota LQ is even more leverage with leading-edge seating system technology. From airbags to automatic cooling systems, this technology will help the driver stay awake and relaxed following the driving conditions.
This system will know when the driver feels tired so that it will blow air on the chair to improve sitting posture and blow fresh air through the ventilation system. When conditions allow the driver to relax, such as the automatic control mode, the airbag on the chair will expand automatically to encourage the driver’s abdomen breathing.
Support features and other advanced technology
Toyota LQ uses the roof and floor area of the car as a communication platform between the vehicle and its passengers. Lighting in various colors is presented to indicate driving mode (automatic or manual). This feature can also recognize who is driving it.
With Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) technology on the headlights, this vehicle can provide information about road surface conditions. In addition, the display on the dashboard and speedometer also uses organic LEDs (OLEDs). This latest technology can help drivers to see information displayed more clearly.
This car is also equipped with a catalyst layer on the radiator fan that can break down ozone to oxygen. This feature is able to filter about 60 percent of the ozone in 1,000 liters of air in an hour’s drive. This technology is expected by Toyota to clean up harmful emissions such as ozone in the air while driving.
Elegant futuristic design
The Toyota LQ cabin features a futuristic design, placing Yui in the middle of the instrument panel with a line that flows from inside to the vehicle’s exterior. Minimalist elements are so strong in the interior, like a hidden air conditioning valve. The center console is also designed to provide optimal strength and support in reducing visible support structures.
Toyota LQ will be introduced to the public at the “Future Expo”, a special exhibition at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019 on October 24 – November 4, 2019, ago. Along with this, Toyota also announced the “Toyota Yui Project Tour 2019”, where the public had the opportunity to directly tested the Toyota LQ and the sophistication of “Yui”.
At the same time, Toyota also proved its commitment to support the development of electrification through the Toyota Mirai. This Fuel Cell energy vehicle uses hydrogen fuel and will become one of the official vehicles at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
For more information about Toyota LQ, you can click this link.
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