Toyota Motor Corporation is gearing up to launch Woven City, its ambitious project aimed at transforming the future of mobility and innovation. Located on the former site of the Toyota Motor East Japan factory in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Woven City is set to serve as a testing ground for cutting-edge technologies and new ideas.
According to Toyota President Akio Toyoda, "Woven City is a place where people can invent and develop all kinds of new products and ideas." The city, described as a "mobility testing course," aims to combine Toyota's strengths with those of partner companies to create new value and products. With construction of Phase 1 of Woven City officially completed by October 2024, the company announced plans to commence full operations by fall 2025.
The vision for Woven City began back at CES 2020, where the initiative was first announced. The project aims not only to advance mobility concepts but also to create living spaces for diverse populations. Initially, about 100 people connected to the project will reside there, but this number is expected to grow significantly, with plans for the city to eventually house around 2,000 residents.
Woven City aspires to become more than just another urban area; it's intended as a hub for technology and research, where innovators can collaborate on projects and make discoveries. Participants, referred to as "Inventors," are expected to include Toyota employees, startups, and researchers from various industries.
"We are taking responsibility as global citizens to invest for the future," Toyoda stated, reflecting the company’s commitment to not just corporate profit but societal advancement as well.
Furthering its ambitions, Toyota has confirmed partnerships with several organizations, including Daikin Industries and Nissin Foods, to explore innovative solutions within Woven City. Each partner will engage with their respective sectors, bringing unique insights and developments to life.
The planned activities within Woven City are extensive. For example, research and development will focus on areas such as residential robotics, with innovations aiming to improve daily lives—like appliances capable of learning human movements to assist with tasks as mundane yet complex as folding clothes.
Offering unique commentary on the initiative at CES 2025, Toyoda expressed excitement about the potential exploration of mobility solutions not just on earth, but also extending to space. "We are increasingly considering extending our mobility programs to space," he said, highlighting Toyota’s forward-thinking vision.
Woven City also plans to include features such as advanced energy systems and communications networks, aimed at supporting the infrastructure necessary for high-density urban living. The core philosophy behind the city is to test, learn, and expand the concept of mobility, integrating transportation systems with modern living.
With construction well-underway, the company is already preparing for the second phase of development. This includes future expansions and additional facilities to support the city’s aims of being at the forefront of urban technological advancement.
"Woven City will function as both a living laboratory and community," asserted Toyoda, emphasizing the dual purpose of fostering innovation and providing quality living standards.
The impact of Woven City extends beyond mere automotive technology; Toyota aims to redefine transportation solutions by implementing systems of mobility encompassing not just vehicles but the flow of people, goods, and energy as well.
With its address at 1117 Onshuku, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Woven City will start welcoming the first residents and visitors to participate in its groundbreaking experiments by fall 2025. This movement signals Toyota's transformation from solely being an automotive company to embracing comprehensive mobility solutions.
The stage is set for Woven City to become a beacon of innovation and community, with ambitions to shape the future not only for Toyota but also for society at large, pushing the boundaries of mobility and connectivity.