Toyota Unveils New Technologies Affirming Dedication to Universal Mobility Accessibility
Toyota's Innovative Mobility Solutions: The JUU and e-Palette
Toyota, a pioneer in the mobility industry, continues to push boundaries with its latest innovations. Two of its most notable creations are the JUU electric wheelchair and the e-Palette, both showcasing Toyota's commitment to "mobility for all."
The JUU, unveiled at the 2022 International Home Care and Rehabilitation Exhibition, is an electric wheelchair designed to negotiate steps up to 16 cm tall, while seated. Its unique design features a "tail" that drops down to support the wheelchair when climbing stairs, allowing users to ascend unassisted. The JUU also prevents tipping over when descending stairs, ensuring a stable position. Furthermore, the JUU is equipped with two drive systems, allowing it to continue running even if one system fails. Toyota is currently developing the JUU technology to give unaided wheelchair users greater range and freedom of mobility.
In a bid to improve the mobility experience for wheelchair users, Toyota has developed a one-touch fastening device that secures a wheelchair in a vehicle in just two seconds. This device is designed to be used in various vehicles, including ships and airplanes.
Meanwhile, the e-Palette, an icon of Toyota's transformation into a mobility company, was showcased at a workshop. This versatile vehicle's interior can be customized for various mobility services, including mobile delivery lockers, cafes, and apparel shops. The e-Palette is also equipped with a unique autonomous driving system being developed by Toyota, Woven by Toyota, and Denso. This technology aims to serve people in mountainous and sparsely populated regions, or those who have difficulty traveling for themselves.
A consortium consisting of Toyota, other car, bus, and wheelchair manufacturers was established in April 2022 to standardize anchor bars mounted at the base of wheelchairs. This collaboration aims to improve the mobility experience for wheelchair users by ensuring compatibility across various vehicles.
Two variations of the e-Palette were on display: one with a driver's seat and one without, intended for autonomous driving. The piloted e-Palette is scheduled for public trials in the first half of the 2020s, while the driverless version is being developed for places like Woven City.
The 2025 Toyota Sienna hybrid wheelchair van is another significant contribution from Toyota towards stress-free mobility for wheelchair users. This van incorporates specialized accessibility technologies and comfort features designed to improve travel ease and independence. Key technologies and features include a BraunAbility wheelchair accessibility conversion, a hybrid powertrain for environmental friendliness and cost-effectiveness, and modifications designed for comfort and usability. Accessibility upgrades are factory or dealer-installed, ensuring safety and performance standards, and dealers provide mobility specialists to help customize the vehicle per users’ specific needs.
In conclusion, Toyota's dedication to mobility for all is evident in its innovative solutions for wheelchair users and its versatile e-Palette. The company continues to push boundaries, striving to make mobility a joyful and stress-free experience for everyone.
- Toyota's latest innovations extend beyond the automotive industry, delving into finance with the development of a one-touch fastening device for securing wheelchairs in various vehicles, including ships and airplanes.
- The company's commitment to technology is further demonstrated in the development of smart-home-devices, as shown by the unique design of the JUU electric wheelchair that enables ascending stairs unassisted.
- Toyota's e-Palette, a versatile vehicle equipped with autonomous driving technology, aims to serve people in under-served areas such as mountainous and sparsely populated regions.
- In an effort to streamline business operations and improve the mobility experience, Toyota established a consortium with other manufacturers to standardize anchor bars mounted at the base of wheelchairs, ensuring compatibility across various vehicles.
