As all manufacturers try to figure out automated driving, Lexus wanted to think outside the box, and thus brought in some big thinkers from the TED Fellows program who are known to be good at that sort of thing. TED Senior Fellows neuroscientist and engineer Greg Gage and artist Sarah Sandman each presented their designs for “Human Centric” automated vehicles along with two short films covering their ideas: “Predicting Human Needs with Neuroscientist Greg Gage” and “Building Community with Artist Sarah Sandman".
Responding To The Driver's Mood
As might be expected from a neuroscientist, Gage believes automated vehicles and long commutes provide the perfect environment for neurotechnology to create a “brain-car” interface that allows the automobile to be integrated directly into how the driver feels. By recording a range of human signals, from human EKG to face microgestures.
Gage envisions that Lexus could create a profile of a person’s mood and use it to change the ambience of the car. Sleepy? The car will change the lights and seating position. Relaxed? The car will cue up a chill playlist. Stressed? The radio is silenced and lights up. If current cars can monitor engine temperature, oil pressure, and engine speed, then a human-inspired car could monitor the human and respond accordingly.
Put Down Your Phone
Sandman was focused on the idea of a future where the vehicle tries to dissuade drivers/ riders who could be even more focused on our phones and digital devises than we are already. Thus, she imagines a vehicle that reduces our isolation from the outside world with 360-windows, fully rotational seats, and a speaker system for interaction with cyclists or pedestrians. Taking this idea even further, she imagines a chalk-writing system to leave custom art or messages in the street.
To increase quality time with passengers, the interior would mimic a cozy cafe with a digital fireplace, pillows, and a terrarium-like ceiling. Sandman also proposes a cooperative ownership model that increases affordability and makes for a more inclusive, meaningful future.
Does This Future Have A Future?
Difficult as it is to see how either of these approaches can apply to actual Lexus models, both sides feel energized by the project. Says Shoham Arad, Director of the TED Fellows program, “TED’s partnership with Lexus highlights the essence of what the TED Fellows program stands for — curiosity, new ideas, and building a world together that we all want to live in. We are excited to see the imaginative work of TED Fellows come to life through this TED + Lexus virtual conversation, fun discovery session and spotlight films. What does the future of human-centered design look like? Even in an automated universe? Watch to find out.”
From the Lexus side, Lisa Materazzo, Vice President of Lexus marketing, stated: “Focusing on what makes people tick, especially when behind the wheel, has always been central to Lexus design. Partnering with TED has allowed us to explore new human-centric ideas for an automated future with visionary experts in their fields.”
To learn more about the partnership between Lexus and the TED Fellows program, visit www.lexus.com/curiosity/TED.