Innovative Technology Eliminates Need for Pedals, Enabling Vehicle Accessibility for Everyone
At the recently concluded Japan Mobility Show 2023, Toyota showcased its groundbreaking NEO Steer technology, a revolutionary steering wheel concept designed to redefine the driver-vehicle interface. The technology, which embodies Toyota's "Mobility for All" philosophy, was a key highlight of the event, which showcased various mobility solutions under the theme "Find Your Future."
The NEO Steer is the result of a 18-month development journey, initiated by a promise between Toyota and para-alpine skier Taiki Morii, who has a lower limb impairment. The innovative steering wheel eliminates the need for foot pedals, allowing control of a car's acceleration and brakes using only one's hands.
Key aspects of Toyota’s approach to steering innovation, which likely influenced NEO Steer development, include the integration of advanced software and hardware, software-defined vehicle emphasis, human-centric design, and advanced safety compliance. This multidisciplinary collaboration combines agile software engineering—leveraging expertise from partners like Nexteer—with human-centered industrial design, rigorous safety validation, and integration testing to ensure innovative yet safe steering system experiences.
The NEO Steer's key features focus on blending smart digital controls, ergonomic design, adaptive human-machine interface, and compliance with functional safety to advance Toyota's vision for next-generation vehicle control systems. Configurable controls integrated into the steering wheel rim or center allow easy access to driving assistance, infotainment, and vehicle settings without distracting the driver. Enhanced tactile feedback or haptic responses improve steering feel and safety warnings, while digital displays or touch-sensitive surfaces embedded in the steering wheel provide customizable driver information.
The NEO Steer is not just designed for individuals with lower limb impairments; it offers a new driving experience for regular drivers as well. Para-alpine skier Taiki Morii, who has a lower limb impairment, expressed his eagerness for such controls. The event was a resounding success, with the NEO Steer technology becoming a significant talking point among attendees.
Toyota's booth at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 also showcased other mobility solutions, all embodying their "Mobility for All" philosophy. These solutions, which may soon be available, aim to make mobility more accessible and inclusive for everyone. The innovative NEO Steer technology, along with these other solutions, represents a significant step forward in Toyota's mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable future of mobility.
- The NEO Steer technology, a revolutionary steering concept developed by Toyota, showcases the integration of advanced smart-home devices and gadgets, such as digital displays and touch-sensitive surfaces, into its innovative steering wheel, aligning with the company's commitment to technology and human-centric design.
- Toyota's mission to create a more inclusive and sustainable future of mobility extends beyond the innovative NEO Steer technology; their booth at the Japan Mobility Show 2023 also featured other mobility solutions that embody the "Mobility for All" philosophy, demonstrating the company's dedication to making technology and gadgets more accessible and inclusive for everyone.
