Toyota Research Institute (TRI) will be introducing their next-generation autonomous vehicle prototype, Platform 3.0, at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) this week.
Platform 3.0 is built on a Lexus LS 600hL. The prototype features sensors and cameras that have been incorporated into the car's design — rather than having these components merely attached to an already existing vehicle. This translates to a sleek and harmonized design.
"Our team has once again rapidly advanced our automated vehicle research capabilities. To elevate our test platform to a new level, we tapped Toyota's design and engineering expertise to create an all-new test platform that has the potential to be a benchmark in function and style," said Dr. Gill Pratt, TRI CEO and Toyota Motor Corporation Fellow.
TRI collaborated with CALTY Design Research and Toyota Motor North America Research and Development (TMNA R&D) to develop the autonomous vehicle prototype's compact design and concealed sensors and cameras.
Platform 3.0 features a weather- and temperature-proofed rooftop with a panel of sensors that replace the spinning LIDAR sensor that is typically seen on top of other autonomous vehicles. By eliminating the bolt-on appendage, Platform 3.0 is able to have a fluid, aerodynamic design that aligns with the natural contours of the Lexus LS.
In terms of capabilities, Platform 3.0 is equipped with a Luminar LIDAR system with a 200-meter perception range. The presence of four high-resolution LIDAR scanning heads ensure that the autonomous vehicle prototype's complete 360-degree perimeter is covered. The sensors are able to precisely detect objects in the vehicle's surroundings, especially those that are hard to see in the dark.
Platform 3.0 also comes with short-range LIDAR sensors that are placed low on all four sides of the vehicle. They are able to detect low-level and smaller objects that are near the car such as children and roadway debris.
TRI also mentioned that Platform 3.0's flexible design will allow them to incorporate future breakthrough technologies as they become available.
The production of Platform 3.0 vehicles is scheduled to begin this spring at the Prototype Development Center located inside TMNA R&D headquarters in York Township, Michigan.
Meanwhile, TRI's CES 2018 exhibit will de displayed in the North Hall of the Las Vegas convention center beginning Tuesday, Jan. 9.
