Journalists were positioned in the front row to experience the fusion of health and thrill in driving in conjunction with AI.
On November 15, 2023, in Willows, California, the Toyota Research Institute (TRI) hosted a special event to introduce its innovative Accelerated Concepts program focusing on active safety.
This marked a significant milestone for TRI, as it welcomed international journalists to Thunderhill Raceway in Willows, California, providing them with a firsthand look at the organization’s advancements towards autonomy. Reporters from the US and Europe had the opportunity to explore the simulators and research vehicles, gaining insights into TRI’s approach to combining high autonomy and driver engagement for enhanced safety and driving enjoyment, rather than solely focusing on self-driving robotaxis.
The HID team at TRI is dedicated to active safety, emphasizing the importance of keeping drivers engaged while leveraging advanced technology to enhance the driving experience. Through the Driving Sensei strategy, TRI aims to integrate AI-driven instruction and driver support to help individuals hone their driving skills and ensure safer journeys.
TRI’s CEO, Gill Pratt, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and collaboration between AI and humans to enhance vehicle performance and predictive modeling of driver behavior.
The HID team’s research pillars, including People-Targeted Learning, Driver/Vehicle Performance and Safety, and Shared Autonomy, were showcased through demonstrations using research vehicles and models.
In the realm of Driver/Vehicle Performance and Safety, the focus is on developing expert-level driving skills with AI assistance. Journalists experienced this firsthand in a fully automated Lexus LC500, witnessing its obstacle avoidance capabilities at high speeds, and in the self-drifting Toyota Supra, testing its handling limits. These demonstrations underscored the potential of AI systems to assist drivers in navigating challenging road conditions and avoiding collisions.
Shared Autonomy, the final element, envisions a harmonious interaction between AI systems and drivers to create a safer and more enjoyable driving experience. Journalists had the opportunity to test TRI’s Global Research Innovation Platform (GRIP) and engage in scenarios designed for driver training in a controlled environment. Through AI-powered instruction and support, journalists learned advanced driving techniques such as countersteering and drifting on simulated ice patches.
Avinash Balachandran, chairman of TRI’s Human Interactive Driving Division, highlighted the potential for widespread adoption of automatic vehicle systems by reimagining the relationship between individuals and technology to deliver enhanced value and experiences for customers.
For further technical insights on the track demonstrations, please refer to TRI’s Medium site here. To learn more about Toyota Research Institute, visit http://tri.global.
