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Innovative project brings together technology, smart mobility, and massive data collection to simulate the real functioning of a connected and automated city
About six months ago, the first residents arrived at Woven City, in Japan. Since then, they have been living a completely different routine. These residents, called “Weavers,” actively participate in an urban experiment created by Toyota.
Toyota’s city of the future does not function like a common environment. In practice, it operates as a living laboratory. Each resident tests technologies in their daily life. Among them are autonomous cars, domestic robots, and advanced artificial intelligence systems.
The project draws attention due to its size. Toyota invested around US$ 10 billion and built the city on an area of 175 hectares. This space allows for testing solutions on a real scale, something rare in the sector.
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The information was disclosed by outlets like Ars Technica, based on data from Toyota itself, which presents the city as an experimental environment focused on innovation.
Residents interact with robots, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence daily
In Woven City, technology is part of everything. Residents use autonomous vehicles to get around. Additionally, they receive deliveries through automated systems and live with robots inside their homes.
This level of integration is impressive. According to Toyota, 98% of residents accepted the presence of robots with cameras in their homes. This data shows a high level of adherence to the project.
This behavior has a clear explanation. Toyota carefully selected each resident. The group includes technology professionals, researchers, and creators. In other words, people who are already open to innovation.
Even so, an important question arises. Would these technologies work the same way outside this controlled environment? In a common city, acceptance would probably be lower.
The city still seems like a prototype and not a traditional community
Despite all the technology, Woven City still does not feel like a normal city. The number of residents is still low. Today, about 100 people live there.
Additionally, many areas are still under construction. As a result, the environment seems empty. Streets without movement and vehicles circulating without passengers are common.
Visitor reports reinforce this feeling. According to reports, the place conveys a “strangely lonely” atmosphere. Typical everyday elements, such as children playing or residents in public areas, are missing.
Even so, Toyota does not see this as a problem. On the contrary, this phase is part of the project. The company intends to gradually expand the population. The goal is to transform the city into a global innovation hub.
Origin of the project and the future of smart cities
Toyota announced Woven City in 2021, during the pandemic. The company built the project on the site of a former factory, deactivated in 2020.
Since then, the proposal has evolved significantly. Today, the city serves as a base for testing smart mobility, automation, and sustainability.
Additionally, Toyota also develops integrated energy solutions. The project connects electric vehicles with urban infrastructure. This creates a complete ecosystem.
Therefore, even with current limitations, Woven City points to the future. The city shows how technology, data, and mobility can transform the urban environment.
Would you accept living in a city where practically everything you do is monitored to test technology?
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