Toyota's Woven City: A Futuristic Living Lab at the Base of Mount Fuji
Key Ideas
- Woven City, run on solar power by hydrogen-powered fuel cells, will feature smart homes, offices built by robots, and cutting-edge technology.
- Toyota aims to achieve all 17 UN development goals through Woven City, emphasizing the importance of happiness as an 18th goal.
- The city will be populated by a diverse community of 2,000 people, including inventors, residents ('weavers'), and researchers.
- Expected to open in fall 2025, Woven City will initially welcome select residents, gradually expanding to a population of 2,000 by 2026.
Toyota's closure of the Higashi-Fuji Plant in Japan has paved the way for the development of a groundbreaking project — the Woven City, located at the base of Mount Fuji in Susono City. This innovative 'living lab' will operate on solar power generated by hydrogen-powered fuel cells, showcasing smart homes and offices constructed by robots using traditional Japanese woodworking methods. The city will serve as a hub for testing the latest advancements in robotics, AI, and automotive technology. Toyota's CEO, Akio Toyoda, envisions Woven City as a place for individuals committed to driving positive change in lifestyle, environmental care, and societal well-being. The project aligns with Toyota's ambition to fulfill all 17 United Nations development goals, with a special emphasis on promoting happiness as an essential 18th goal. Once completed in fall 2025, Woven City will house 2,000 residents, comprising inventors, researchers, and community members ('weavers'). The diverse population will collaborate on developing innovative mobility solutions and providing real-time feedback on technological advancements. Toyota anticipates a phased opening of the city, starting with select residents from the company and their families. By 2026, the city aims to accommodate its full capacity of 2,000 inhabitants, including a mix of senior citizens and families. Woven City's progress signifies a significant step towards redefining urban living and shaping the future of smart cities, offering a glimpse into the potential benefits and challenges of integrating advanced technologies into daily life.