Lexus Focuses on Human-Centric Autonomous Design
These two new autonomous vehicle designs focus on people first.
Autonomous Future
The age of autonomous driving is coming very soon, and automakers like Lexus are moving quickly to perfect such technology. Recently, the automaker teamed up with the TED Fellows program, a global multidisciplinary group of thought leaders, to develop new designs for automated vehicles that prioritize people over technology. TED Senior Fellows neuroscientist Greg Gage and artist Sarah Sandman debuted their designs for human-centric automated vehicles in an exclusive virtual event with two short films spotlighting their ideas.
Photos: Lexus
Human-Centric
Gage believes automated vehicles and long commutes make for the perfect environment for neurotechnology to create a "brain-car" interface that allows the automobile to be integrated directly into how the driver feels. By recording a range of human signals, from human EKG to face micro gestures, Gage envisions that Lexus could create a profile of a person's mood and use it to change the ambiance of the car. The car is capable of changing the lights and seating position, cueing up a playlist, or silencing the radio, depending on its occupant's mood.
Photos: Lexus
Digital Wave
Meanwhile, Sandman foresees a future where people are even more buried in their digital devices, and the simple gesture of waving to a pedestrian is lost. With the community in mind, Sandman has envisioned a vehicle that connects the inside to the outside world with 360-windows, fully rotational seats, a speaker system for interaction with cyclists or pedestrians, and even a chalk-writing system to leave custom art or messages in the street. To increase quality time with passengers, the interior would mimic a cozy cafe with a digital fireplace, pillows, and a terrarium-like ceiling. Sandman also proposes a cooperative ownership model that increases affordability and makes for a more inclusive, meaningful future.
Photos: Lexus
Human-Centric
"Focusing on what makes people tick, especially when behind the wheel, has always been central to Lexus design," said Lisa Materazzo, vice president of Lexus marketing. "Partnering with TED has allowed us to explore new human-centric ideas for an automated future with visionary experts in their fields."
Photos: Lexus
Peeking Into the Future
"TED Fellows program supports a community of 492 Fellows from 99 countries in every discipline -from design and activism to astrophysics and neuroscience - working to create a positive impact in their communities. TED's partnership with Lexus highlights the essence of what the TED Fellows program stands for - curiosity, new ideas, and building a world together that we all want to live in," said Shoham Arad, Director of the TED Fellows program. "We are excited to see the imaginative work of TED Fellows come to life through this TED + Lexus virtual conversation, fun discovery session, and spotlight films. What does the future of human-centered design look like? Even in an automated universe? Watch to find out."
Photos: Lexus
Going Deeper
Many cars on the road today already utilize a number of cameras to read the behavior of the driver, then act accordingly, so this sort of thing doesn't appear to be too far off. Regardless, these concepts go far deeper than anything currently available in today's market.
Photos: Lexus
Pleasant Alternative
The idea here is that autonomous vehicles are the destination - a place where owners can relax, unwind, and enjoy the experience of travel without having to stress over actually driving the vehicle itself. And while we love the basic act of driving, sometimes, this seems like a rather pleasant alternative.
Photos: Lexus
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