Toyota has unveiled its innovative “Woven City” in Japan, a cutting-edge village designed to test and develop futuristic technologies such as autonomous driving, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The project, launched on Thursday, aims to create a real-life setting where inventors can trial various inventions, including flying taxis, robot pets, and drones that escort residents home at night.

Located at the base of Mount Fuji, the village will initially house around 360 Toyota staff and their families in smart homes, with the number of residents expected to grow to 2,000. According to Toyota’s chairman, Akio Toyoda, the village is a “test course for the future, not just a town,” where residents will participate in testing new products and services. The homes will serve as test sites for future technology, such as in-home robotics, to assist with daily life.

The project, first announced in 2020, is led by Akio Toyoda’s son, Daisuke Toyoda. The village will feature Toyota’s e-Palette self-driving buses, as well as other autonomous logistics and driving technologies. The company’s goal is to create a “living laboratory” where inventors can test ideas in a secure environment, with residents providing feedback on the new products and services.

The Woven City project is part of Toyota’s efforts to drive innovation and stay ahead in the rapidly evolving automotive industry. With its focus on autonomous driving, robotics, and artificial intelligence, the village is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of mobility and transportation. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how the residents of Woven City interact with the new technologies and provide valuable insights for the development of future products and services.

Toyota’s investment in the Woven City project demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and its willingness to experiment with new ideas. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, it is likely that other companies will follow suit, investing in similar projects to stay competitive. The Woven City project is a significant step forward in the development of futuristic technologies, and its success could have far-reaching implications for the industry as a whole.