At this year’s CES event, Toyota made a bold statement about the future of mobility by announcing the completion of the first phase of its $10.13 billion Woven City project.
Located at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan, Woven City aims to be a living lab for groundbreaking technologies, including autonomous vehicles (AV), artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and more.
Chairman Akio Toyoda emphasized the project’s mission to transform Toyota from a traditional car manufacturer into a full-fledged mobility company. The 175-acre city, which is designed to test and develop next-gen technologies, will open a dedicated “test course for mobility” later this year, aiming to accelerate innovation in four key areas:
- Energy.
- Mobility.
- People.
- Data.
Woven City will also house up to 2,000 residents who will work alongside companies, startups, and researchers to bring futuristic concepts to life. Additionally, the Japanese automaker is launching a scholarship program to support individuals and organizations looking to build transformative technologies within the city. Several major companies, including Daikin Industries, UCC Japan, and Nissin Foods, have already signed on to develop new tech in areas like food, air conditioning, and vending experiences.
John Absmeier, CTO of Woven by Toyota, noted that the initiative has attracted global interest, with over 6,000 inquiries from companies worldwide. The project’s emphasis is on advancing mobility solutions that prioritize safety, including the ambitious goal of achieving zero fatalities from traffic accidents.
Despite Toyota’s global leadership in automotive sales, it faces increasing competition, especially from China’s electric and software-driven carmakers. By establishing a dedicated testing ground for autonomous vehicles and other innovations, Woven City aims to help Toyota stay ahead in the rapidly changing automotive landscape.
The Woven City project focuses on creating a better and more sustainable future rather than pursuing profit. Ultimately, the goal is for Woven City to operate as a “normal” city, where innovative technologies integrate seamlessly into everyday life, making what once seemed impossible feel routine.
