Toyota is showcasing a new single person electric vehicle at CEATEC 2012 that envisions a future of small urban smart cars. It’ss laden with technology to adapt to and aid the user, as well as keep them connected. Meet the, um, Smart INSECT.
Looking at the wee little vehicle, complete with gull-wing doors that look like wings on a ladybug, you’d think it’s creatively and appropriately named. According to Toyota it’s not due to its appearance, but about the function of the car. INSECT is an acronym for “Information Network, Social Electricity City Transporter.”
That acronym is a lot to live up to. So what does the car have to deliver? Starting from the outside, it has a front mounted Microsoft Kinect to recognize the face and body shape of the registered driver as they approach. Courtesy of a speaker mounted on the hood and “dialogue monitors” on the front and back, the car also has voice recognition and can greet drivers as they approach. Sensors help analyze the driver’s hand and anticipates when the want to enter, and assists in opening the door.
via DVICE
