Remember how popular mood rings were in the 70s? Happy. Sad. Mad. Mood rings supposedly read your mood and change colors to match it.
Toyota has come up with, what’s basically, a mood ring on wheels. This strange idea of a three-wheeler steering wheel-less car can change color and driving style according to your mood … exploring the idea of an emotional connection between man and machine. Toyota claims the car will appeal to future consumers of the digital generation who are used to smartphones, iPads or game consoles from a young age.
Codenamed Toyota FV2, this creation is from Toyota engineers who have also been researching humanoid robots. The FV2 uses image recognition technology to read your mood. A casual mood usually means slower movements while quick head movements show anxiety. The car can then change its exterior colors and patterns according to your mood, warning people around you to not mess with you if the color of your car is red.
Apart from an emotional connection, there is a physical connection too. Instead of a steering wheel, the FV2 senses where you want to go when you shift your weight in the seat. The vehicle will also be able to suggest possible destinations by gauging the driver’s mood.
The FV2 made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. We’ll just have to wait and see if this mood-reading car is as much of a fad as those 70’s mood rings.
