Ever wondered what the future would look like? Yes, we have been given an inkling about a futuristic society through science fiction movies, series and novels but much of them look fat-fetched. Well, you may get a real-life glimpse of the future soon, from the very land that remains the only nation to face the brunt of nuclear weapons and yet reassembled itself to remain at the top of its game when it comes to technology. Yes, we are talking about Japan.
A city that will mirror a futuristic world is almost nearing completion right in proximity to the majestic Mount Fuji on the island of Honshu. The name of the city is Woven City and the project is spearheaded by automobile giant Toyota.
A key feature of Woven City is its collection of autonomous vehicles called E-palettes, which don’t require drivers. These innovative cars, part of Toyota’s exploration into renewable energy, will travel in lanes exclusively to them, distinct from those used by pedestrians and cyclists. Toyota aims to use the data gathered from these vehicles to gain insights into local traffic behaviour. The first 360 citizens of the city will shift here by the end of this year. Promoting hydrogen-based technology, the advanced city near Tokyo, Japan, strives to reduce emissions. Its smart homes, outfitted with specialized sensors, facilitate seamless communication between residents, buildings and vehicles.
Combining traditional Japanese architecture with modern amenities, the city’s construction will employ robotic techniques designed specifically for this purpose. Initially housing 360 residents, primarily Toyota employees, Woven City plans to expand to accommodate up to 2,000 individuals.
All the houses will be made of wood and will have the facility of in-home robotics which will help in daily tasks. There will be three types of roads, one on which only pedestrians will drive. The second road will be for fast traffic and the third for slow traffic.
Only zero-emission vehicles will be used and there will be facilities for wheelchairs and special cars for the elderly. Toyota has entrusted the responsibility of building the city architecture to Danish architect Bjarke Ingels. The total cost of the project is Rs 82,000 crore. First announced in 2021, its completion follows Saudi Arabia’s unveiling of its grand ‘mirror city’ project, The Line
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