Toyota Begins Public Trials of the Winglet Personal Mobility Robot in Tokyo

Toyota City, Japan, Mar, 24 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Tokyo Waterfront City will be the location for public sidewalk trials of the Winglet, a personal mobility robot (PMR) developed by Toyota Motor Corporation. Such trials of the Winglet and other personal mobility assistance robots have previously been conducted in Tsukuba City and Toyota City, both of which are subject to special regulatory exemptions for testing new technologies.

Thanks to a regulatory change in July 2015, this system of designating special zones for technological trials has been extended nationwide, enabling similar projects to be carried out elsewhere under the same conditions.

It was thus deemed appropriate that the new trials be carried out in Tokyo Waterfront City, an area known for embracing cutting-edge technologies and advanced research projects.

Tokyo Waterfront City will be the first area in Japan to host a trial under Japan's recently expanded system. Following a safety assessment period overseen by Toyota, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and other organizations, test ride events for the general public will be rolled out from late April 2016.

Trial outline

The purpose of the trial is to create an opportunity for members of the general public to experience the Winglet, which-under current law-is not allowed to be used freely on public sidewalks. At the same time, the trials will enable exploration and testing of its operability around pedestrians and its potential as a tourism resource.

Duration of trial

The trial will run from March 28, 2016, to March 31, 2017. (Trial operation begins March 28; test ride events begin from late April.)

Test ride events

As part of the trial, events will be held on weekends twice a month from late April, with no participation fees charged. Test rides will be available to holders of motorcycle licenses who have received a Winglet Pass from Toyota upon taking a short introductory course. Initially, these events will be available to around ten applicants a day, and the vehicles will follow a set path, operating in a convoy with staff in attendance at the front and rear.

Dates and times, application procedures, and other details will be published on the website of Mega Web, Toyota's nearby vehicle experience facility (http://www.megaweb.gr.jp/about/english.html).

Initial operation route

Operating entity

Waterfront City Winglet Public Sidewalk Trial Operating Association (Toyota, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo Waterfront City Association)

Ten vehicles will be used initially in the upcoming trial, all of which have received classification as motorcycles presenting no safety issues from the regional government.h

Toyota's aim is not merely to convey the fun-to-drive character of the Winglet, which is maneuvered by shifting the body's center of gravity, but at the same time to use the Winglet Pass system to teach the techniques and skills required to operate it and to educate people about relevant rules and etiquette. This should create a framework for the Winglet to be operated with safety and confidence around pedestrians in public spaces. At present, the Winglet Pass can be issued at Mega Web and so far more than 600 people have acquired it.

By enabling the general public to experience the fun and user-friendly convenience of operating a Winglet through practical trials and other events, Toyota hopes to make this vehicle a familiar sight in urban environments. With its contributions to local economic revitalization and promotion of tourism as bonuses, the Winglet could help to construct a brand new mobility society based on Toyota's goal of mobility for all.

About Toyota Supported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation , has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.