Toyota has unveiled an assortment of vehicles for
the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the latest is a fleet of
autonomous e-Palette mobility shuttles. Up to 20 of the specially
designed vehicles will be used during the games to transport athletes and staff
in an “automated, loop-line” around the Olympic and Paralympic villages.
While the e-Palette was first introduced in 2018,
this model has been designed specifically for the event and is known as the
“Tokyo 2020 Version.” As part of the development process, the company talked to
athletes about their mobility needs and gathered feedback about their past
experiences.
Thanks to their feedback, the e-Palette has been
equipped with large doors and electric ramps that allow groups of athletes to
board quickly and easily. The shuttle also has numerous handrails, flexible
seating options and space for four wheelchairs.
At maximum capacity, it can hold up to 20 people at a time.
Furthermore, the e-Palette has been equipped with a
Level 4 autonomous driving system which uses cameras, LiDAR and high-accuracy
3D maps. This allows the vehicle to drive itself at speeds up to 20
km/h, but Toyota noted there will be a safety operator on-board. The company also noted the electric vehicle
has a range of approximately 150 km.
Since the vehicle is autonomous, it has been
equipped with a unique lighting system that uses its head- and taillights to
communicate with nearby pedestrians. Before taking part in the Olympic
and Paralympic Games, the e-Palette will make an appearance at the Tokyo Motor
Show later this month.
