TokyoMotorShow2015
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Honda's latest mobility vehicle has space for two passengers
If you thought Honda's Unicub was all a little bit lonely, perhaps its Wanderstand is the conceptual mobility vehicle of your dreams. With space for two, passengers half-sit/half-stand in the frame which Honda plans to be autonomously driven. Most of the driving and navigation controls will be voice-based. Its's about half the weight of a small car, but the chances (and timeframe) of the vehicle becoming reality will be decided by both progress in autonomous driving technology and the legal status of vehicles not driven by humans. However, the most interesting part of this autonomous vehicle is its dimensions: it's taller than it is long -- and there's a few reasons for that.
Toyota's concept car duo couldn't be more different
One car; fashioned from chrome alloy, exposed suspension and steampunk dreams. Another? See-thru turquoise-hued glass, white spiderweb frameworks, and a hydrogen-powered heart. Toyota's concept cars take very different creative routes with the humble automobile. The more rustic "Kikai" is an attempt to draw out the literal inner beauty of cars, showcasing mechanical parts that aren't usually seen. Tires and suspension take pride of place, while a tiny window in the floor the carriage lets passengers see what's going on underneath the car. Then there's the FCV Plus...
Yamaha's robot motorcycle rider could challenge real racers
Humans might not be the fastest things on two wheels before long. Yamaha has unveiled Motobot, a robot designed to ride superbikes much like you would -- it even has to twist the throttle to get moving. This initial version travels slowly and needs training wheels to avoid tipping over in a turn, so it's not about to compete on the MotoGP circuit just yet. However, Yamaha ultimately hopes to get Motobot blasting along at more than 120MPH on a race track. It goes so far as to put racing legend Valentino Rossi on notice, as you'll see in the promo video below.
Toyota's tiny robot companion fits in your car's cup holder
It's another animated friend to add to your collection of 'bots that might not ever appear in the US -- although it might make it into space.Toyota's Kirobo mini is tiny. In fact, it's small enough as to 'install' into your auto's cup holster -- if you're willing to part with your commuter latte. The robot forms part of Toyota's AI and human interaction research that it and several Japanese universities are working together on. Like its smartphone relative, the Mini gesticulates, can respond to voice requests and apparently even detect a drivers' emotions. (There's a camera built into the little guy. He's not psychic. Yet).
Nissan's Teatro for Dayz: A crazy name for a crazy car
It's hard to stake a claim to silliest car concept at a show like the Tokyo Motor Show, but Nissan is probably, no definitely, the winner. What other car lets you play an RPG across almost the whole interior, or lets you splash the seats (and steering wheel) with grass, leopard skin, or adorably giant wooly patterns? There isn't one. Teatro for Dayz is the free-spirited step-sister of Nissan's serious, buttoned-down self-driving EV, and it's Nissan's hope that it'll convince non-auto fans to, well, take an interest.
Nissan's concept car is covered in displays for the selfie generation
There's little doubt the cars of the future will be increasingly more high tech. However, if Nissan has anything to do with it, those vehicles could be blanketed in customizable displays, too. The Japanese company revealed its "Teatro for Dayz" (yes, really) concept ahead of the Tokyo Motor Show later this month that covers most of the interior, and some of the exterior, with "a clean canvas" of LED panels. Nissan's goal was to make a car that "share natives" (the selfie generation, in other words) would find appealing. To do that, the automaker designed a vehicle where time spent riding could also be used for "connecting and sharing experiences with friends." And, you know, paying attention to the road.
