Toyota Motor Corporation’s ambitious vision of a smart city has materialized into reality as its groundbreaking Woven City project reaches completion of its first phase. The revolutionary urban development, representing an investment of over $10 billion, is set to welcome its inaugural residents this fall, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of future living spaces.
Situated at the former Toyota Motor East Japan’s Higashi-Fuji Plant in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, Woven City transcends the conventional concept of urban development. This pioneering project transforms Toyota’s role from a traditional automotive manufacturer into a comprehensive mobility solutions provider, creating a living laboratory where cutting-edge technologies merge seamlessly with daily life.
The city’s innovative framework divides its population into two distinct groups: Inventors and Weavers. Inventors comprise Toyota Group members, startups, research institutes, and partner companies who will develop and test new technologies in real-world conditions. Weavers, consisting of residents and visitors, will integrate these innovations into their daily routines, providing valuable feedback and real-world data.
Partnership diversity stands as a cornerstone of the project, with collaborations extending far beyond the automotive sector. Current partners include companies from various industries such as coffee producers, instant noodle manufacturers, air conditioning specialists, educational institutions, and beverage companies. These collaborations aim to explore innovations ranging from pollen-free environments to revolutionary vending machine concepts, futuristic café experiences, and data-driven educational methodologies.
At the heart of Woven City lies the Woven Inventor Garage, a sophisticated co-creation space equipped with state-of-the-art technology to support innovation development. One of its notable features is the Digital Twin system, a virtual simulation platform allowing inventors to test and refine their concepts in a digital environment before implementing them in the physical world.
The project’s scope encompasses various technological initiatives, including automated driving services, smart logistics systems, and advanced remote communication platforms. These innovations align with Toyota’s three-fold mission: driving the future of movement, enhancing overall well-being, and inspiring new possibilities in mobility.
The city’s inaugural phase will commence with 100 residents, primarily comprising Toyota staff and their families, with a maximum capacity of 360 residents during this initial stage. Partner families are scheduled to join the community in subsequent phases, with Toyota targeting a population of 2,000 inventors and weavers by 2026. Additionally, the city plans to open its doors to the public, allowing wider access to its groundbreaking innovations.
This development represents a significant evolution from its conceptual introduction five years ago and its groundbreaking ceremony on February 23, 2021. The recent announcement of phase one completion by Toyota Chairman Akio Toyoda at CES 2025 marks a crucial transition from concept to reality.
Woven City’s establishment as a living laboratory accelerates the development and refinement of Toyota’s technologies by providing a real-world testing environment. This approach eliminates the limitations of conventional laboratory testing, allowing for authentic integration of new products and services into daily life.
The project’s substantial investment of $10.13 billion underscores Toyota’s commitment to pioneering the future of urban living and mobility solutions. This unprecedented initiative not only demonstrates Toyota’s vision for future cities but also establishes a new paradigm for testing and implementing innovative technologies in real-world settings.
As Woven City prepares to welcome its first residents, it stands as a testament to the possibility of creating harmonious spaces where technology and human life coexist and evolve together. This groundbreaking project potentially sets the standard for future urban development, offering insights into how cities can be designed to meet the evolving needs of their inhabitants while fostering technological innovation and sustainable living practices.
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