Toyota is developing a city at the base of Mount Fuji where cohabitation with assistive robots and aerial vehicles will become a routine aspect of daily life.
In Japan, a city of the future is materializing in the form of Toyota’s flagship project, Woven City. This urban experiment serves as a controlled scenario where daily life unfolds, with 360 pioneers at the foot of Mount Fuji inaugurating a unique experience aimed at exploring how we will live in the cities of tomorrow.
The Birth of a Living Laboratory
Woven City emerges with an investment of 8.5 billion euros and a vision to blend sustainability and technology. Akio Toyoda, the company’s president, envisions a city designed to test coexistence between humans and advanced technologies. This community will be powered by solar energy and hydrogen, aiming to minimize its environmental impact while observing how individuals adapt to daily automation.
An Urban Design Merging Nature and Technology
The city’s design integrates nature and technology seamlessly, with smart homes, research facilities, and green spaces comprising the urban landscape. Streets optimized for autonomous vehicles connect these elements, fostering a harmonious flow of innovation within the natural environment. Early residents, primarily Toyota employees and their families, have already glimpsed into their future lives within this environment.
Innovations and Challenges of Woven City
Initially accommodating 360 residents, Woven City aims to expand to 2,000 inhabitants in the coming years. The technological advancements within the city include robotic pets, advanced mobility solutions, and the prospect of flying cars. Nevertheless, this technological evolution brings forth inherent challenges. While automation may optimize resources and anticipate needs, it also raises concerns regarding privacy, data management, and the potential for “technological fatigue” as individuals navigate a daily life increasingly dictated by algorithms.
