The empathetic car of the future will adjust to your emotional state, changing driving style and even color based on your mood. The FV2, one of five concepts Toyota announced Tuesday (to be shown at the Toyko Auto Show later this month), explores the idea of a human-to-car emotional connection that will go both ways.
There are primitive precursors to such motorized mood rings: Many high-end Mercedes-Benz and Lexus car can spot erratic behavior and suggest you take a break from driving. The 2014 Infiniti Q50 knows when you have failed to brake.
The FV2 uses image recognition technology to determine your state of mind. For example, agitation has a way of revealing itself in quick head movements, while a casual mood usually means you move slower and want to de-stress. Toyota also imagines this car could change body color to suit your mood--say, red for spirited driving, or blue for a Sunday jaunt.
The car can also analyze your prior driving routes and offer choices for your next destination. It'll know if you always stop at a specific pizza place on Friday nights—or maybe it'll steer you to a favorite sports bar on Monday nights.
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