Toyota Boshoku
will use the CES event to introduce two interior concepts for autonomous vehicles. The first is called ACES (Active
Comfort Engaging Space) and it’s designed to be used in a vehicle with Level 4
autonomous driving technology. Since it isn’t designed for use in a fully
autonomous vehicle, the cabin still features a steering wheel.
That’s where the mainstream ends as the concept
appears to have an instrument cluster which is projected onto the dashboard. We
can also see a fairly traditional infotainment system, video camera side
mirrors and two ‘floating’ controls for the front seats. Toyota didn’t say much about the controls, but the
concept features a “physique and posture detection system” which uses a camera
and a seat sensor to detect a person’s eye position, size and posture. The seat
and seatbelt will then automatically adjust themselves to make the occupant
more comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, the concept has an enfold
personal air conditioning system which monitors the temperature around each
individual. If front passenger is cold, the interior will only warm up the area
around them.
Like a number of newer concepts, the ACES features
an emotion sensing system which can determine your current mood. In essence,
the concept could adjust the ambient lighting system and release a fragrance to
help calm you down when you’re feeling stressed.
Since drivers will still have to take control of the
vehicle on occasion, the concept has been equipped with an active driver
engagement system. If sensors detect the driver is becoming drowsy, it will use
music and vibrations to help keep them awake.
Besides the ACES concept, Toyota Boshoku will
display the Moox which is a combination of the words mobile and box. This
interior concept is designed for fully autonomous vehicles which typically
resemble boxes on wheels. Toyota didn’t say much about the concept, but stated it has been
“designed to support different types of services from business to entertainment
with a fully flexible seat arrangement and an array of necessary functions.”
That’s a little vague, but screens play a prominent role in the interior as the
images suggest passengers could join conferences and video chats while on the
way to work.
