Innovation Beckons in Hachioji: Unveiling the Rationale Behind Crafting Charming Robots and Technological Advances Mirroring the Motion of Living Organisms
In the heart of Tokyo's Hachioji district, Toyota's design base serves as a hub for the company's transition from a traditional car manufacturer to a mobility company. This innovative facility, originally known as the Tokyo Design Research Lab., is now home to the Advanced Design Development Department, focusing on emerging areas beyond cars.
The Hachioji design base plays a pivotal role in Toyota's transformation. It is where the company develops next-generation products, including robots and mobility solutions inspired by the movements of living creatures. This commitment to expanding Toyota's scope goes beyond automobiles, reflecting the company's vision for future mobility through endearing robots and advanced innovations.
One such innovation is the Micro Palette robot, designed with a focus on people's fundamental desires and to foster trust between people and technology. The Micro Palette, showcased at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, is not just a small delivery robot; it offers a more personal and empathetic logistics experience.
The Micro Palette's design mimics the behaviour of the spotted garden eel, staying still when gently approached but quickly retreating when approached suddenly. This experiment was part of Toyota's efforts to design products that best align with people's emotions and sensibilities during the transition to a mobility company.
Micro Palette does not have discernible eyes or a mouth, but it subtly moves to create the impression of communication. Takashi Nishimura, Assistant Manager of the Advanced Design Development Department, emphasized the importance of unconscious human communication and instinctive cuteness in Micro Palette's design.
The Hachioji design base houses numerous cutting-edge products yet to be unveiled to the public, including the nap seat TOTONE, the electric wheelchair JUU capable of climbing stairs, and the Micro Palette itself. Among the exhibits at the base, visitors can also find the nap seat TOTONE and the electric wheelchair JUU.
As Toyota continues its journey towards becoming a mobility company, its product development philosophy has shifted from a focus on people and cars to encompassing people and all aspects of life. The Micro Palette, with its unique design and empathetic approach, is a testament to this change.
- The Advanced Design Development Department at Toyota's Hachioji design base is working on several projects beyond cars, including the development of artificial-intelligence-driven robots like the Micro Palette.
- The Micro Palette robot, designed with artificial intelligence and a focus on human instincts, is an example of Toyota's transition from a traditional car manufacturer to a mobility company, moving beyond automobiles to focus on people's desires and emotions.
