Toyota’s $10 billion smart city initiative

Located at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, Woven City is a futuristic urban development project spearheaded by Toyota. The city will utilize solar power, smart fuel cells, and zero-emission vehicles to create a sustainable living environment. Construction of Woven City is set to begin in 2021, with the first residents expected to move in later this year.

Designed as a “living laboratory,” Woven City will serve as a testing ground for energy-efficient self-driving vehicles known as “E-palettes.” The city will house 2,000 residents and cost nearly $10 billion to build. Residents will live in homes powered by hydrogen, equipped with solar panels, AI technology for health monitoring, and robots to assist with daily tasks.

The city’s streets will be divided into pedestrian-only areas, fast vehicle roads, and low-speed vehicle roads. Only zero-emission vehicles, vehicles for the elderly, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles will be allowed in Woven City. The grid-like layout of the city includes various outdoor spaces to encourage interaction among residents.

Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, known for his work on projects like Two World shopping center and Google’s headquarters, has been tasked with designing Woven City. Ingels believes that technology is reshaping urban living and envisions a future where connected, automated, and zero-emission solutions transform city living.

Residents of Woven City will include families, retirees, retailers, and scientists. The city’s proximity to Mount Fuji, a dormant volcano, raises concerns about potential volcanic activity. Despite the risks, the unique opportunity to develop and test new technologies in a complete city setting makes Woven City an intriguing experiment in urban planning and sustainability.