CES has become a mini auto show and it’s not just big names taking part. Quite the opposite as suppliers are fighting for the spotlight and Toyota Boshoku is among them. A member of the Toyota Group, the company will display two Mobility as a Service (MaaS) concepts that provide a glimpse at the interior of the future. The first concept is known as the MX221 and it’s envisioned as a ride-hailing vehicle with a Level 4 autonomous driving system. The concept embraces the idea of “diversatility” and features a reconfigurable interior.
The first configuration is known as MX
Pass and it features four seats in a traditional two row configuration. The MX Plus configuration also has two rows
of seats, but they face each other. MX
Access sees the model outfitted with a wheelchair, while MX Prime focuses on
luxury as the cabin can be equipped with up to two high-tech seats that feature
power recline, a leg rest, and a deployable table with a digital keyboard. All
four configurations also appear to have a front jump seat that can be folded
away when not needed.
Since the concept was designed for
ride-hailing, the seat upholstery can be easily replaced and so can the
carpeting. The concept also boasts a
UV-C sanitizer, an in-cabin monitoring system, and a folding entertainment
system. Other highlights include
illuminated door panels and a small infotainment system that shows vehicle and
passenger information. The exterior is relatively plain by comparison, but it
features covered wheels as well as power sliding doors. They’re joined by digital displays for the
side windows as well as a rear LED panel that communicates with other road
users by displaying messages such as “Caution Vehicle Stopping.”
The Moox concept is envisioned as a
fully-autonomous Level 5 vehicle.
Essentially a mobile box, thus the name, the concept is envisioned to
fit various applications ranging from business and dining to entertainment. The
Wellness Edition uses sensors in the seats and armrests to determine your
fatigue and stress levels. If you’re
stressed, the Moox can try to calm you down by showing videos of a forest on
its displays. As this occurs, the lights
and audio system change to mimic the forest feel, while a “relaxing aroma” is
released. If that’s a little too boring,
occupants can play games using their hands and arms as controllers, thanks to
gesture recognition technology.
The Tourism Entertainment Edition is
similar, but it’s meant to promote attractions and entertainment. The company also released a video showing the
Moox envisioned as everything from a mobile store to a mobile office and even a
doctor’s office.