- The innovative automated safety system uses self-driving technology to guide the vehicle to safety in an event of an impending crash.
- The move is being hailed as unusual in an industry that is known for its extremely high level of competition.
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), a renowned Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, has reportedly announced that it has decided to share the company’s innovative automated anti-collision system with rival companies.
Reports cite, the automated safety system dubbed as Guardian uses self-driving technology to guide the vehicle to safety in an event of an impending crash. The company’s decision is being hailed as unusual in an industry that is known for its extremely high level of competition.
According to a report by Forbes, Toyota argued that while fully automated self-driving faces many hurdles before it could be deemed ready for widescale commercial use, sensor research and artificial research (AI) used in the technology could be leveraged earlier in an attempt to reduce the number of crashes and make the roads safer for passengers & pedestrians.
The Chief Executive Officer of Toyota Research Institute, Gill Pratt stated that the company made the decision while thinking about the betterment of the society. Guardian’s potential to save lives compelled the company to make the technology available to any automaker that would like to use it. Pratt further added that the firm would not keep the system proprietary to Toyota and would offer the tech to other automakers, either through licensing agreements or through actual whole systems.
The Senior Vice President of Automated Driving at Toyota Research Institute, Ryan Eustice stated that the technology is a highly advanced driver-assist system which further enhances the driver’s abilities. Eustice further added that it works with the driver and creates a 360-degree bubble of situational awareness around the vehicle.
With automated vehicle & related mobility services projected to become a 10 trillion market, Toyota’s move, while bringing in fat royalties, could establish the company as a safety & technology leader.
