At the JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, Toyota's booth unveiled an innovative steering wheel, offering a future where everyone can enjoy the freedom of driving. Toyota Times delved into the technology's development.
The JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW 2023, which wrapped up on November 5, was a great success.
Under the theme of “Find Your Future,” Toyota’s booth featured an array of mobility solutions that may be just around the corner. Among them were the latest technologies embodying Toyota's “Mobility for All” philosophy.
Ordinarily, a car’s acceleration and brakes are controlled via foot pedals. By doing away with those pedals and integrating their functions into the steering wheel, NEO Steer allows individuals to drive using only their hands.
This technology not only makes driving easier for those with lower limb impairments, but also offers regular drivers the option of a completely new experience behind the wheel.
“I don’t think wheelchair users are the only ones eagerly awaiting such controls,” says para-alpine skier Taiki Morii, who himself has a lower limb impairment.
In fact, what propelled the NEO Steer’s development was a promise between Morii and a certain someone. We trace the technology’s 18-month development journey.