Toyota Envisions the Future of Mobility With Three new Concepts

Toyota already showed off its fun GR HV Sports and TJ Cruiser concepts for the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show – but that’s not all the Japanese automaker has planned for its home automotive exhibition. 

The automaker is also bringing a new line of concept vehicles to Tokyo called the Concept-i Series. The centerpiece of these three vehicles is simply called the Concept-i – a fully electric self-driving vehicle with a specially developed AI system and about 186 miles of range. The AI system can estimate the emotion and level of alertness of the driver by reading their expressions, actions and tone of voice. It will then engage in conversation with the driver with these factors in mind and suggest routes or detours based on their mood. Toyota could also use the AI system to collect extremely specific data about consumers and their conversations, preferences, and moods.

SEE ALSO: Toyota TJ Cruiser is an Unconventional Van-SUV Cross Breed

Also apart of the new Concept-i Series line is the Concept i-Ride. The i-Ride is essentially a scaled-down version of the i-Series, featuring an EV powertrain with about 62-93 miles of range and an equally as sophisticated AI system. It’s self-driving, of course, but can be controlled by the user with a couple of joysticks. Gullwing doors provide a large entrance opening and the concept is also handicap accessible, with an easy-access sliding electric seat and room to stow a wheelchair behind the front seat.

Completing the series is the Concept i-Walk. In short, the i-Walk is a self-driving, fully electric three-wheeled scooter that acts sort of like a Segway. It can turn on the spot and takes up no more space than a standard pedestrian would. The i-Walk has a total range of 6 to 12 miles and would be used for mainly for sightseeing. We could see it coming in handy if you don’t want to walk to your car when parked in a large lot, such as at a shopping center or large office complex.

The Toyota Concept i, Concept i-Ride and Concept i-Walk will make their debut in Tokyo later this month.