As a global partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Toyota aims to offer mobility solutions that go beyond the provision of official vehicles. One of the ways they do this is by participating in the "Tokyo 2020 Robot Project", a project led by the Tokyo Organising Committee that brings together the Tokyo Metropolitan government and the games' partners with experts in robotics. During 'Tokyo 2020', Toyota robots will be used to support people's mobility. By helping people make their dreams come true, the brand believes it will be able to further contribute to the experience and success of the games ahead.
Tokyo 2020 Mascotte robot Miraitowa
To make this the most innovative and technologically advanced game of all time, Tokyo 2020 and Toyota are working on the 'Mascot Robot'. In addition to welcoming the athletes and guests to official locations, Toyota is currently exploring the possibilities of using the robot mascot to allow children in Japan to enjoy the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The robot mascot allows both expressions of arm movements via a remote robot, as well as the sharing of interactions through 'force feedback'. Through a camera on the robot's head, he can recognize people in the neighborhood and, once recognized, use his eyes to respond with a variety of expressions. By equipping the robot with miniature joints all over his body, the robot is very flexible.
T-HR3, Humanoid Robot
Toyota offers a unique way for guests in remote and remote locations that cannot be physically present to communicate with the athletes through the T-HR3 and mascot robots. In particular, the T-HR3 robots will be able to reproduce the movements of a robot mascot in a remote location in near real time. In addition to providing images and sounds, these robot users will also be able to experience the power of movement, allowing them to talk to the athletes and even give them a high five. This makes them feel as if they are really physically present.
T-TR1, Remote location communication Robot
T-TR1 is a virtual mobility, tele-attendance robot developed by Toyota Research Institute in the United States. It is equipped with a camera on top of an almost life-size display. By projecting an image of a user from an external location, the robot helps that person feel more physically present at the robot's location. With T-TR1, Toyota gives people who are physically unable to attend events such as the games a chance to be virtually present through a screen that is able to communicate with different locations.
HSR, Human Support Robot
For some of the accessible seats in the Olympic Stadium, the Toyota Human Support Robot, HSR, will guide guests to their seats and bring light meals and goods, allowing them to enjoy the matches to the fullest. Also, the Toyota Deliver Support Robot, DSR developed specifically for Tokyo 2020, will deliver drinks and other goods directly to spectators who have ordered them via a special tablet. At track and field events, with around 500 seats at the Olympics and another 500 at the Paralympics, the robots are expected to serve more than 1,000 spectators in need of mobility assistance.
FSR, Field Support Robot
These robots are equipped with autonomous functions as part of throwing events (i.e. javelin throwing) at the Olympic Stadium. While determining the optimal itinerary, the FSR follows the operating personnel on a path that avoids obstacles during the collection and transfer of throwing items. By using the FSR, time is saved to pick up items and less personnel is needed at the event. Toyota and Tokyo 2020 will work with the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to develop the FSR for the 2020 games in Tokyo.
Accessible People Mover
In addition to the robots, Toyota will also offer support with the APM, Accessible People Mover, during Tokyo 2020. This BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is specially designed for the Olympic and Paralympic Games of 2020 in Japan. The "Last Mile" vehicle helps as many people as possible, including athletes, staff and visitors, to reach their destination in a sustainable and safe manner during the games. This includes the physically disabled, the elderly, pregnant women and families with small children. By folding down the seats, people in wheelchairs can also be seated in the APM. During the games, Toyota intends to use approximately 200 copies of the APM to support the transport of visitors and staff around various facilities.