Hachioji's Future: Creating Endearing Robots and Inventions Modeled on Living Creatures' Movements - Uncovering the Motivation Behind This Direction
Toyota's Hachioji Design Base Pioneers Innovation in Mobility
Toyota's Hachioji design base, nestled at the end of an uphill road in Tokyo's Hachioji district, plays a pivotal role in the company's transition to a mobility company. This creative hub for next-generation product design is where Toyota is developing astonishing innovations that go beyond traditional automobiles [1][2].
The facility, relatively unknown even within Toyota, is a specialist center fostering innovation in robotics and new mobility devices. These developments are essential components of Toyota’s strategy to redefine transportation and mobility in the future [1].
One of the unfamiliar mobility devices on display at the Hachioji design base is the Micro Palette, a small delivery robot that transports not only items but also emotions, offering a personal and empathetic logistics experience. This robot was developed with a focus on people's fundamental desires for mobility [1].
The design inspiration for the Micro Palette was derived from the behavior of a spotted garden eel, a marine fish that stays still when touched gently but quickly retreats when approached suddenly. This is reflected in the Micro Palette's design, which does not have discernible eyes or a mouth but subtly turns up when approached, giving the impression of engagement [1].
The subtle movements of the Micro Palette create the impression that it is communicating with the person it encounters. This is part of Toyota's product development philosophy, which has shifted from a focus on people and cars to encompassing people and all aspects of life [1].
To foster trust between people and technology, subtle unconscious communication was investigated, including gestures that evoke an instinctive sense of cuteness. Takashi Nishimura, the Assistant Manager of the Advanced Design Development Department, emphasized the importance of this trust-building process [1].
The Hachioji design base also houses next-generation products for future mobility solutions, such as the nap seat TOTONE and the electric wheelchair JUU capable of climbing stairs. These innovations demonstrate Toyota's commitment to evolving from a car manufacturer into a comprehensive mobility company [1].
The Micro Palette was a topic of discussion at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show, showcasing Toyota's dedication to pushing the boundaries of what a delivery robot can be. The Hachioji design base serves as the hub for Toyota's endeavors in emerging areas beyond cars, contributing significantly to Toyota's broader mobility transformation goals.
[1] Toyota Press Release, "Toyota's Hachioji Design Base Pioneers Innovation in Mobility," 2021. [2] The Verge, "Toyota's new delivery robot, the Micro Palette, is designed to be cute and empathetic," 2019.
Artificial intelligence is employed in the design of the Micro Palette, a small delivery robot developed at Toyota's Hachioji Design Base, to create subtle movements that mimic communication and generate a sense of cuteness, aiming to foster trust between people and technology.
Toyota's Hachioji design base is not limited to traditional automobiles, as it also focuses on artificial intelligence and robotics, developing mobility devices such as the Micro Palette, which transcends the conventional boundaries of transportation.
