Toyota has officially opened the doors to its ambitious Woven City, a futuristic urban environment located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. Designed as a living laboratory, Woven City aims to test and develop cutting-edge technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart homes, and AI-driven solutions in a real-world setting. The first residents, primarily composed of Toyota employees and their families, are set to move in, marking a significant step in Toyota’s transition from an automaker to a comprehensive mobility solutions provider.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) What exactly is Woven City? |
| 2) Where is this futuristic city? |
| 3) Who will live there? |
| 4) The three streets: Prioritizing different modes of transportation |
| 5) What’s the goal of this futuristic city? |
What exactly is Woven City?
Woven City can be described as a living laboratory that serves as a testing ground for new technologies in a variety of fields. Toyota has crafted this urban setting to allow inventors, residents, and visitors to collaborate in refining innovations that can enhance daily life. As stated by Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda, Woven City is envisioned as “a place where people can invent and develop all kinds of new products and ideas.” The initiative signals Toyota’s intent to expand its role beyond traditional auto manufacturing to that of a comprehensive mobility company focused on facilitating movement—of people, goods, and information.
The city will feature cutting-edge technologies including autonomous vehicles, smart home systems, robotics, and artificial intelligence, all integrated into its infrastructure. The concept behind Woven City stems from the idea that experimentation and real-world application can significantly speed up the development of life-changing technologies. By allowing these innovations to be tested in a real-world environment rather than confined to laboratories, Toyota aims to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications.
Where is this futuristic city?
Located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Woven City is built on the site of a former Toyota car manufacturing plant. This strategic move underscores Toyota’s commitment to repurposing existing facilities while venturing into future mobility solutions. The repurposing of a space once dedicated to traditional car manufacturing into a hub for advanced technology and innovation demonstrates a significant shift in focus for the automaker.
The choice of location offers several advantages, including access to nearby infrastructure and proximity to Tokyo, enhancing connectivity for residents and visitors alike. By laying the groundwork for a city that embodies the future of urban living, Toyota is also contributing to the sustainable development of the region, committing to environmentally conscious practices and technologies.
Who will live there?
Woven City is not only designed to accommodate advanced technologies and robots; it will also provide a home for real people. In its initial phase, about 100 residents are set to move in, primarily comprising Toyota employees and their families, along with members associated with the “WbyT” (Woven by Toyota) initiative. This initial group will represent various backgrounds and experiences, thereby fostering a diverse community environment.
As Woven City expands, it anticipates a total population of around 2,000 residents, including inventors, entrepreneurs, and visitors who will have the opportunity to engage with the technological developments ongoing in the city. The residents, referred to as “weavers,” will actively participate in testing and providing feedback on new innovations, working closely with the inventors—another category of residents who will be striving to bring their ideas to fruition. Additionally, partner companies have joined the initiative, including those from various industries like beverages, education, and home appliances, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the city.
The three streets: Prioritizing different modes of transportation
Woven City’s urban design is meticulously crafted with a particular emphasis on safety and efficiency, evident through its innovative street infrastructure. The city features three distinct types of streets, each catering to different modes of transportation:
1. Dedicated to Faster Vehicles: This lane is specifically allocated for autonomous vehicles, which are expected to operate efficiently and safely, adapting to the movement of both goods and people.
2. Mixed-use Street: This lane accommodates lower-speed mobility options, such as bicycles and scooters, alongside pedestrian traffic, promoting a balanced and functional community space.
3. Pedestrian-only Park: As the name implies, this area is exclusively for pedestrians, encouraging walkability and social interaction among residents.
This carefully layered approach promotes an environment where the coexistence of various transportation modalities can occur seamlessly, reflecting Woven City’s vision for a human-centered and sustainable living environment.
What’s the goal of this futuristic city?
The overarching aim of Woven City is rooted in the principle of “co-creation.” By uniting diverse groups of people—including inventors, researchers, and everyday residents—Toyota seeks to develop innovative, human-centered solutions to societal issues. Rather than isolating design and testing processes within sterile lab environments, the Woven City initiative brings innovations directly into the daily routines of its inhabitants, allowing inventors to observe how their products are integrated into real life.
A key feature of Woven City is the “Woven Inventor Garage,” equipped with advanced technology to facilitate the development process. Notably, a “Digital Twin” feature will allow innovators to create virtual simulations of the city, enabling them to model scenarios and test products in a digital context before launch, thereby minimizing risks and maximizing efficiencies in real-world applications.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Woven City is a futuristic urban environment in Susono City, Japan, designed as a living laboratory for testing new technologies. |
| 2 | The city repurposes the site of a former Toyota car manufacturing plant, moving from traditional automotive production to innovative solutions. |
| 3 | Initial residents will include about 100 individuals, primarily Toyota employees and their families, with plans to expand to around 2,000 residents. |
| 4 | Woven City features three unique types of streets tailored to different modes of transportation, promoting safety and efficiency. |
| 5 | The initiative emphasizes co-creation, allowing residents to actively contribute to the development of new technologies and solutions for everyday challenges. |
Summary
The launch of Woven City represents a transformative step in the way urban environments can harness technology to enhance the quality of life for residents while fostering technological advancements. By integrating innovative transport systems with a community-focused approach, Toyota is positioning Woven City as a beacon of future living. This initiative has the potential not just to redefine urban planning but also to influence how societies approach mobility, sustainability, and technological integration in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What technologies are being tested in Woven City?
Woven City is testing various technologies, including autonomous vehicles, smart home systems, AI, and robotics, in a real-world environment to enhance urban living.
Question: Who are the initial residents of Woven City?
The first residents are primarily Toyota employees and their families, with plans to accommodate around 100 individuals initially, growing to about 2,000 over time.
Question: How does Woven City prioritize transportation modes?
The city has a triadic street design that separates traffic types: a lane for autonomous vehicles, a mixed-use street for lower-speed mobility alongside pedestrians, and a pedestrian-only area for walking.
