Weird and wacky concepts of the Japan Mobility Show
One of the world’s leading motor shows has just unveiled the ‘terrifying’ cartoonish future we might all be part of and a lot sooner than you might think.
Could this be the end of school drop-offs?
The Tokyo Mobility show is ostensibly Japan’s biggest car show. But it’s also a place for manufacturers to show off their more experimental ideas. Here are some of the zaniest concepts on display.
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Yamaha Motoroid: Λ
What is it: A self balancing, self-learning motorbike concept, which almost shares a name with an embarrassing medical condition. The Japan Mobility Show displayed the third iteration of the Motoroid concept — this version seemingly has done away with the rider altogether.
Why is it here: This concept shows off Yamaha’s cutting-edge technology. The Motoroid: Λ is able to stand up by itself, and perform a few clever driving manoeuvres without any human intervention.
Will it happen: Very unlikely in its current form — but Yamaha might borrow concepts from Motoroid: Λ to make motorbikes which are safer for riders, and less likely to topple over.
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Lexus LS Micro concept
What is it: A single-seat vehicle designed for shorter trips. It’s a luxurious pod, which could theoretically drive itself to your chosen destination. Wondering where your luggage or shopping will go? A separate autonomous pod will follow the main cabin like a faithful puppy.
Why is it here: As self-driving vehicles become more common on roads, car manufacturers are working on concepts which reimagine how people travel.
Will it happen: There are many barriers to small autonomous vehicles like the LS Micro. There are, of course, practical concerns with safety and regulatory issues. But there’s also the bigger question of whether customers will want to be driven around in claustrophobic one-person pods.
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Toyota Kids Mobi
What is it: This is a similar concept to the Lexus LS Micro — but for children. This prototype uses AI to drive itself from one location to the next, controlling the direction and speed of the pod. Once the child is inside, they can interact with the AI assistant called “UX friend”. Who thought a dystopian future would look this cute?
Why is it here: Driving with small children in cars really can be quite a drag. Toyota has finally come up with a solution.
Will it happen: Would you put your child in a small AI controlled pod, let them drive away, and hope for the best? It’s hard to imagine a parent who would seriously consider making this purchase.
Toyota Walk Me
What is it: A shuffling chair with crablike legs that can move over uneven surfaces, and steps. It can be a mobility aid, but Toyota says it’s ’fun for everyone’. Fun, perhaps, if you don’t mind the Walk Me’s unsettling shuffling.
Why is it here: Japan’s ageing population means there’s an increasing emphasis on mobility devices by their manufacturers. Brands like Toyota and Honda are always exploring new technology in this growing segment.
Will it happen? I sincerely hope not in its current form. The Walk Me chair moves in a way that’s — frankly — utterly terrifying. Back to the drawing board, please.
Honda Koraidon Pokemon bike
What is it: A rideable bike designed to look like a Koraidon Pokemon, made by a special decision of Honda. This special project was a collaboration between around 40 Honda engineers from three different divisions. The Honda Koraidon uses self-balancing technology, meaning it can self-drive, as well as being controlled by a rider.
Why is it here: This is both an engineering flex, and a crowd pleaser. The team that made this project worked under the slogan: “Honda’s devotion to make children’s dreams come true”.
Will it happen? Imagine rocking up to work on this thing. Please make it happen, Honda.
Originally published as Weird and wacky concepts of the Japan Mobility Show
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