The Toyota FV2 is a concept car that can express Toyota’s “Fun to Drive” philosophy even in a future world in which vehicle technology has greatly progressed. The vehicle enhances the driving experience by connecting physically and emotionally with the driver, becoming more fun to drive the more it is used.

Physical connection: Rather than using a steering wheel, the Toyota FV2 is operated by the driver shifting his or her body to intuitively move the vehicle forward and back, left and right. In addition, by using intelligent transport system technology to connect with other vehicles in the area and traffic infrastructure, the Toyota FV2 helps enable safe driving by providing a wide variety of safety information, including advance warnings about vehicles in blind spots at intersections.

Emotional connection: Toyota envisions an ever-developing driver-vehicle relationship similar to the relationship of trust and understanding that a rider might have with his or her horse. By incorporating technology from the “Toyota Heart Project”, both the driver and the Toyota FV2 can grow together. The vehicle uses voice and image recognition to determine the driver’s mood, accumulated driving history to suggest destinations, and driving skill information to assist the user. In addition to an augmented reality (AR)1 display on the windshield, the body color and exterior display can be changed at will, creating a more intimate relationship between vehicle and driver.

Toyota has created an exclusive smartphone application that enables users to experience the mobility of the future envisioned by the Toyota FV2. The application, released today, can be downloaded free of charge through the AppStore2 and Google Play3 application platforms.

Reference: Toyota Heart Project

The Toyota Heart Project is a new communication research project with the theme of “Inspiring the Heart, Inspiring You.” The Kirobo and Mirata humanoid communication robots, which incorporate technologies for communication and artificial intelligence, are also part of this research.

In addition to simply talking and listening, humans and artificial intelligence will be able to engage in emotional communication, including expressions, gestures, and recollection of past events, thanks to research through an open innovation4 method.

The Toyota Heart Project is also conducting research to realize artificial intelligence that grows together with people, intelligence that displays feelings and evokes fondness and trust. The aim is to inspire people, achieve a rapport between humans and machines, and make life more enjoyable and enriching.\