Toyota has officially launched one of its most ambitious and futuristic projects to date — Woven City, a $10 billion experimental smart city nestled at the base of Mount Fuji in Japan. Announced in 2020 and now under active development, Woven City is designed to serve as a living laboratory for advanced mobility technologies, artificial intelligence, smart homes, robotics, and clean energy systems.
A City Built for Experimentation
Unlike traditional cities, Woven City is purpose-built from the ground up to test and integrate cutting-edge technologies in a real-world environment. It’s envisioned as a prototype city of the future, where residents — dubbed “weavers” — will cohabitate with robots, autonomous vehicles, and advanced AI systems.
Initially, around 360 residents will live in Woven City, including Toyota employees, researchers, and their families. Eventually, the city will grow to accommodate over 2,000 people, creating a thriving tech ecosystem.
Designed by Danish Architect Bjarke Ingels
The design of Woven City comes from renowned Danish architect Bjarke Ingels, known for designing Google’s HQ. The layout of the city is structured around three main types of streets:
- Autonomous Vehicle Lanes
- Pedestrian-Only Zones
- Mixed-Use Pathways
All streets will “weave” together seamlessly, hence the city’s name. The goal is to create a more harmonious integration of mobility and life, unlike the concrete jungles of modern metropolises.
The Role of Hydrogen Power
While most smart cities are focusing on electric vehicles, Toyota is doubling down on hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Woven City is being powered by a combination of hydrogen energy and solar power, with on-site hydrogen fuel stations and a goal to demonstrate zero-emission urban living.
Toyota’s flagship hydrogen-powered vehicle, the Mirai, is already being used as a test bed in the city. The company hopes to prove that hydrogen can be a viable alternative to battery-powered EVs for sustainable cities.
Underground Logistics and Smart Infrastructure
One of the most unique features of Woven City is its underground infrastructure. All logistics — including deliveries and trash collection — will happen underground using autonomous robots. This not only improves surface aesthetics but dramatically reduces noise and pollution levels.
Homes in Woven City are equipped with:
- AI-powered assistants
- Smart sensors for monitoring health
- Automated kitchen and cleaning systems
- Robots integrated into daily routines
Real-World Testing of Robotics
Toyota has long been a leader in assistive robotics, and Woven City is a proving ground for these technologies. In particular, Toyota is testing its Human Support Robot (HSR) to aid the elderly and disabled.
These robots can perform:
- Object retrieval
- Home monitoring
- Medication reminders
- Basic communication tasks
The city aims to become a model for aging societies, showcasing how technology can support elderly independence and care.
Autonomous Mobility in Action
Self-driving vehicles will be the primary form of transportation in Woven City. Toyota’s e-Palette shuttles — fully autonomous, modular electric vehicles — will be deployed across the city for people and goods transport.
These e-Palettes are designed to be:
- Offices on wheels
- Pop-up stores
- Mobile clinics
- Shared ride platforms
Their modular interiors will allow constant reconfiguration depending on use case.
Data, AI, and Ethics
Data will flow continuously through Woven City, allowing Toyota to collect real-time feedback and refine its technologies in a real-world setting. From traffic to energy use to health monitoring, data analytics will drive everything.
Toyota has committed to ethical data use, with privacy being built into the city’s foundation. Residents must consent to their data being used for research and development purposes.
A Platform for Open Innovation
Woven City isn’t just about Toyota. The company is inviting startups, universities, and tech giants from around the world to collaborate and co-develop future technologies. Google, Panasonic, and Cisco are rumored to be among early partners.
There will also be an innovation district for incubating startups and experimenting with solutions in energy, mobility, agriculture, and medical care.
Economic and Social Impact
Beyond the high-tech features, Woven City is set to become a new model of sustainable urban living. With vertical farming, car-free zones, and 100% renewable energy, it sets a standard that could influence how future cities are built — especially as populations grow and climate concerns deepen.
The city is expected to generate over 5,000 jobs in technology, construction, and research, while also offering a new blueprint for aging-friendly societies.
What Makes Woven City Different?
| Feature | Woven City | Typical Smart City |
|---|---|---|
| Core Power Source | Hydrogen | Electricity |
| Main Transport Mode | Autonomous Vehicles | Mixed |
| Resident Type | Researchers/Employees | General Public |
| Development Model | Closed ecosystem | Open system |
| Robotics Integration | Full Home + City Use | Limited or None |
Final Thoughts
Woven City is not just a vanity project — it’s a serious technological experiment in how cities of the future will function. From smart mobility to hydrogen-powered infrastructure and robotic integration, it’s an ecosystem designed to evolve over time.
In a world rapidly moving toward urban saturation, Toyota’s Woven City could very well become the living blueprint for sustainable, intelligent human settlements.
