Toyota's Smart Insect Prototype Uses Kinect Technology to Identify Owners
Wes Walcott — October 5, 2012 — Autos
Demonstrating their electric vehicle manufacturing prowess, Toyota revealed its Smart Insect prototype.
Not only is the smart insect fully electric and able to charge via a standard 100-volt AC outlet, it also has a range of motion detection and recognition features that come courtesy of Microsoft's Kinect gaming peripheral. This enables the car to identify its owner based on body shape and facial recognition, as well as predict the owner's behaviour by analyzing specific movements. Voice recognition is utilized to control certain functions such as opening doors and operating other control functions.
Inside the car, there's a wireless charging pad for mobile devices and a dash-mounted monitor that can be used for both navigational and entertainment purposes. Driver's can even adjust the climate controls via their smartphone thanks to integration with a home energy management system.
Since the Smart Insect is still just a proof of concept vehicle, Toyota currently has no plans to bring it into full production, but it's definitely an interesting glimpse at what might be in store for the future of transportation.
Not only is the smart insect fully electric and able to charge via a standard 100-volt AC outlet, it also has a range of motion detection and recognition features that come courtesy of Microsoft's Kinect gaming peripheral. This enables the car to identify its owner based on body shape and facial recognition, as well as predict the owner's behaviour by analyzing specific movements. Voice recognition is utilized to control certain functions such as opening doors and operating other control functions.
Inside the car, there's a wireless charging pad for mobile devices and a dash-mounted monitor that can be used for both navigational and entertainment purposes. Driver's can even adjust the climate controls via their smartphone thanks to integration with a home energy management system.
Since the Smart Insect is still just a proof of concept vehicle, Toyota currently has no plans to bring it into full production, but it's definitely an interesting glimpse at what might be in store for the future of transportation.
Trend Themes
1. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing - The rise of electric vehicles presents opportunities for disruptive innovation in automobile manufacturing, including integrating advanced features like motion detection and recognition.
2. Facial Recognition Technology - The use of facial recognition technology in vehicles opens up possibilities for personalized experiences and increased security measures.
3. Home Energy Management Systems - Integration with home energy management systems allows for seamless control of various functions in the car, presenting opportunities for innovation in energy-efficient transportation.
Industry Implications
1. Automobile Manufacturing - Car manufacturers can explore integrating advanced technologies like facial recognition and motion detection into electric vehicles.
2. Security Technology - Companies specializing in security technology can explore the application of facial recognition systems in vehicles to enhance safety and authentication processes.
3. Smart Home Technology - Providers of home energy management systems can collaborate with automakers to develop interconnected systems that enable seamless control from cars to homes.
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