Toyota’s Woven City, a visionary project at the base of Mount Fuji, is poised to become a living laboratory for future technologies. Announced at CES 2020, this 175-acre urban prototype is designed to integrate cutting-edge advancements in mobility, robotics, and smart home systems within a real-world environment.
The city derives its name from Toyota’s origins as a loom manufacturer, symbolizing the intricate weaving of technology and daily life. Its design, conceived by Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, features a network of streets designated for various modes of transportation, including autonomous vehicles, personal mobility devices, and pedestrian pathways. This layout aims to create a seamless and safe environment for all inhabitants.
Central to Woven City’s mission is the development and testing of autonomous transportation solutions. Toyota envisions a city where driverless vehicles, such as the e-Palette—a fully autonomous, battery-electric vehicle—facilitate the movement of people and goods. These vehicles are expected to operate alongside pedestrians and cyclists, promoting a harmonious and efficient urban mobility ecosystem.
In addition to autonomous vehicles, Woven City will serve as a testing ground for robotics and artificial intelligence. Homes within the city are planned to be equipped with in-home robotics to assist with daily living, and AI systems designed to monitor residents’ health and enhance their quality of life. This integration of technology aims to create a responsive and adaptive living environment that caters to the needs of its inhabitants.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Woven City’s design. The city plans to utilize hydrogen fuel cells for power, reflecting Toyota’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions. Buildings are expected to be constructed primarily from sustainably sourced wood, incorporating traditional Japanese craftsmanship with modern robotic assembly methods. Rooftops will feature photovoltaic panels to generate solar energy, further contributing to the city’s renewable energy resources.
The initial phase of Woven City is projected to accommodate approximately 360 residents, including Toyota employees and their families, with plans to expand to around 2,000 residents in subsequent phases. These residents, referred to as “Weavers,” will participate in the co-creation and testing of new technologies, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at addressing societal challenges and enhancing well-being for all.
Toyota’s vision for Woven City extends beyond technological innovation; it represents a holistic approach to urban living where mobility, sustainability, and human-centered design converge. By creating this real-world testbed, Toyota aims to accelerate the development of technologies that will shape the cities of the future, ultimately contributing to a more connected, sustainable, and inclusive society.
As Woven City prepares to welcome its first residents in the coming years, it stands as a testament to Toyota’s commitment to pioneering new frontiers in mobility and urban development. Through this ambitious project, Toyota seeks to redefine the relationship between people, technology, and the urban environment, weaving together the fabric of a smarter and more sustainable future.
