Toyota's Soccer Robot Developed by a 28,000-Strong Engineering Group
Toyota, a leading name in the automotive industry, has been venturing into unconventional projects outside of its traditional focus. This approach is part of Toyota's broader vision and commitment to innovation. One such project is the development of a soccer robot named PIXI.
The Toyota Engineering Society (TES), a group of volunteers within Toyota, plays a significant role in these non-traditional projects. Established in 1947, TES brings together ambitious members to improve their technical skills and take on new challenges.
PIXI, the world's first hydrogen-powered autonomous soccer robot, was born out of a call from then-Chairman Uchiyamada for TES to create something different. The soccer robot project was chosen to spark interest among people of all ages and backgrounds.
Initially, PIXI could only manage speeds of 30 to 40 km/h. However, through rigorous research and development, the team was able to improve its performance significantly. Today, PIXI can aim and shoot soccer balls with precision, even hitting the upper corners of the goal at speeds up to 85 km/h.
The team behind PIXI had no experience in robot development. Takeru Miki, Group Manager, had no personal experience in hardware design but wanted the challenge of working outside his expertise. The team learned about hardware design from members who worked in that field.
TES's research goals include improving technical capabilities by tackling new fields and igniting the monozukuri spirit in members. The society shares the lessons and achievements from their endeavors to hopefully change the awareness of all TES members, promoting individual growth and an innovative environment.
In addition to the soccer robot, TES has worked on various unconventional projects, including a fish robot for collecting marine garbage. The research of TES has mainly been related to cars, including a solar car project.
The development of PIXI and other unconventional projects serves multiple purposes for Toyota. Diversification and innovation are key drivers, as projects like hydrogen-powered autonomous robots help Toyota develop and test cutting-edge technologies that can be later applied to various fields, including automotive. This approach allows Toyota to remain at the forefront of innovation and technological advancements.
Cross-disciplinary learning is another benefit of engaging in diverse projects. Techniques and insights gained from robotics or other fields can be transferred back to improve automotive technology, enhancing overall innovation capacity.
From a corporate strategy and brand enhancement perspective, unconventional projects help reinforce Toyota's brand image as a leader in technology and innovation. This helps in maintaining a strong public perception and attracting talent from diverse fields. Unconventional projects may also involve collaborations with entities from other industries, fostering strategic partnerships that can benefit Toyota in the long run.
Social and environmental impact is another important consideration for Toyota. Many of Toyota's unconventional projects align with its "Beyond Zero" vision, which emphasizes carbon neutrality and positive societal impact. For instance, exploring hydrogen power in robotics can demonstrate its feasibility in other domains, contributing to a broader sustainability agenda.
Community engagement is another benefit of unconventional projects. Projects like autonomous robots can engage communities through innovative demonstrations, such as soccer robots, which can capture public interest and create a positive brand image.
While specific information about TES's involvement in projects like hydrogen-powered autonomous soccer robots is not detailed in the provided search results, it is evident that Toyota's overarching strategy includes exploring new technologies and fostering innovation across diverse fields. This approach is part of Toyota's efforts to evolve beyond its traditional automotive focus and contribute to society and the environment through technological advancements.
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