Toyota plans to test self-driving, talking cars by 2020

Toyota Motor has stated it would start testing self-driving electric cars around 2020, which will utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to engage with motorists, as the company takes on tech firms to develop new vehicles.

The car, whose concept model was revealed previously this year at the Customer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, will be able to converse with motorists, while developing knowledge of users’ choices, habits and emotions through deep learning, the company stated.

“By using AI innovation, we want to expand and improve the driving experience, making automobiles an object of affection again,” stated Makoto Okabe, general manager of Toyota’s EV company planning division.

Dealing with rivalry from competing automakers and technology companies to produce self-driving, Toyota has committed $1 billion through 2020 to establish advanced automated driving and AI technology.

The Concept-i model, a battery-electric automobile which will have a travelling range of 300 kilometers (180 miles) on one charge, will be able to approximate the emotions and awareness of drivers by reading their expressions, actions and intonation.

Using this information, the vehicle will have the ability to take control of driving duties when essential– after assessing the driver is too exhausted to drive securely, for instance– and also connect with the driver and travelers.

Dealing with a future where automobile ownership might be surpassed by new mobility services, automakers are boosting investment to develop AI capabilities to boost the driving experience.