Toyota to develop cars that aid senior safety
If you’re afraid that driving skills my wear off if you get senile, don’t be. Toyota will clear your fears away with their savoir-faire cars.
Nintendo “Brain Age” developer Prof. Ryta Kawashima said last Tuesday that he will join forces with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop cars with safety equipment and amenities for the elderly.
"We envision future cars will be able to monitor brain and emotional activity to back up elderly drivers," said Kawashima, a Tohoku University scientist who worked on Nintendo Co.'s best-selling "Brain Age" games — and whose smiling image is the guide in the series.
Several innovations are listed for the cars meant for the seniors, Kawashima said that one of these is a technology that will detect the driver’s driving patterns and curb any dangerous activity. For example, this new tool will stop or slow the car in case it noticed that the driver hit the gas pedal when not needed.
Navigation system and temperature controls to maintain driver alertness is also being considered to be included in the special car amenities.
"Ultimately, we hope to develop cars that stimulate brain activity, so that driving itself becomes a form of brain training," Kawashima said.
According to Kawashima, some Toyota executives had attended his “Mobility and Smart Aging” study group sessions last May. The Senior-friendly car is one of the major topics discussed in Kawashima’s forums. Toyota is working with Tohoku University and the professor said that they are already "are done with brainstorming and ready to start making some of the technologies," he even added that the technologies could break into market in five years.
Kayo Doi, spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corp. said the project is already in progress. Both Toyota Motor Corp. and Tohoku University however both parties are not yet ready to announce what specific technologies will the results of their team-up.
Nintendo “Brain Age” developer Prof. Ryta Kawashima said last Tuesday that he will join forces with Toyota Motor Corp. to develop cars with safety equipment and amenities for the elderly.
"We envision future cars will be able to monitor brain and emotional activity to back up elderly drivers," said Kawashima, a Tohoku University scientist who worked on Nintendo Co.'s best-selling "Brain Age" games — and whose smiling image is the guide in the series.
Several innovations are listed for the cars meant for the seniors, Kawashima said that one of these is a technology that will detect the driver’s driving patterns and curb any dangerous activity. For example, this new tool will stop or slow the car in case it noticed that the driver hit the gas pedal when not needed.
Navigation system and temperature controls to maintain driver alertness is also being considered to be included in the special car amenities.
"Ultimately, we hope to develop cars that stimulate brain activity, so that driving itself becomes a form of brain training," Kawashima said.
According to Kawashima, some Toyota executives had attended his “Mobility and Smart Aging” study group sessions last May. The Senior-friendly car is one of the major topics discussed in Kawashima’s forums. Toyota is working with Tohoku University and the professor said that they are already "are done with brainstorming and ready to start making some of the technologies," he even added that the technologies could break into market in five years.
Kayo Doi, spokesperson for Toyota Motor Corp. said the project is already in progress. Both Toyota Motor Corp. and Tohoku University however both parties are not yet ready to announce what specific technologies will the results of their team-up.
posted by Patti @ 11:53 PM
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