Toyota Motor Corporation and Woven by Toyota, Inc. have taken a major step forward in redefining the future of urban living with the continued development of Woven City, their experimental smart city that officially launched in September 2025. Built as a real-world testbed for next-generation technologies, Woven City is rapidly evolving into a dynamic ecosystem where mobility, artificial intelligence, and human-centered innovation intersect.

At the heart of this transformation is Woven by Toyota’s philosophy of “multiplication”—an approach that combines strengths across industries to create solutions with greater societal impact. By integrating Toyota’s manufacturing expertise with advanced software development and contributions from partners, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation in meaningful and practical ways.

One of the standout advancements is the introduction of the AI Vision Engine, a powerful AI foundation model that allows the city to interpret and respond to real-world conditions in real time. By analyzing data from cameras, mobility systems, and user interactions, the system can detect patterns, anticipate risks, and coordinate responses across connected infrastructure. Designed to enhance rather than replace human capabilities, this technology underscores Toyota’s belief in AI as a supportive partner to human intuition.

Complementing this is the Integrated ANZEN System, which combines multiple AI technologies to create a safer and more responsive urban environment. Through tools such as Behavior AI and Drive Sync Assist, the system can predict human movement, assist drivers based on real-time conditions, and facilitate better communication between pedestrians, vehicles, and infrastructure. The result is a seamless, interconnected system that prioritizes safety and peace of mind.

Beyond AI-driven safety, Toyota and its partner have also introduced Woven City Infra Hub and Data Fabric—two platforms designed to unify and manage data across the city. These systems enable efficient data utilization while ensuring privacy and respecting individual preferences, laying the groundwork for a secure and scalable digital ecosystem.

Supporting innovation on the ground, the newly launched Inventor Garage serves as a central hub for development and experimentation. Opened in April, the facility offers co-creation spaces, testing environments, and residential accommodations, allowing innovators—known as “Inventors”—to design, prototype, and refine their ideas. Located within a repurposed facility from Toyota Motor East Japan’s historic Higashi-Fuji plant, the garage bridges the company’s industrial heritage with its forward-looking ambitions.

The Inventor Garage also completes Woven City’s unique three-stage development cycle: rapid prototyping within the Garage, controlled testing in the Inventor Field, and real-world validation in residential areas currently inhabited by around 100 residents, known as “Weavers.” This iterative process ensures that innovations are refined safely before being introduced into everyday life.

Further expanding its collaborative ecosystem, Woven City has welcomed four new Inventors: AI Robot Association (AIRoA), DAIICHIKOSHO Co., Ltd., Joby Aviation, Inc., and Toyota Financial Services Corporation. Their expertise spans robotics, entertainment, air mobility, and financial services, bringing the total number of participating organizations to 24. This growing network highlights Woven City’s role as a convergence point for diverse industries working toward shared innovation goals.

In addition, the upcoming final pitch of the Toyota Woven City Challenge accelerator program signals continued investment in startups, reinforcing the city’s commitment to fostering fresh ideas alongside established enterprises. Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda also remains actively involved as the “Master Weaver,” contributing to initiatives such as the development of a personalized AI model that reflects his leadership philosophy and supports collaborative decision-making.

As Woven City continues to expand, Toyota and its partners are shaping more than just a smart city—they are building a living laboratory for the future. Through the integration of advanced technologies, human-centric design, and cross-industry collaboration, the project aims to deliver lasting benefits not only for its residents but for society at large.