# Toyota i-unit Four-Wheel Personal Transportation Space-Age Car By Kyla Gutsche | Published 2005-12-27 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-i-unit-four-wheel-personal-transportation-space-age-car References: [toyota.co.jp](http://www.toyota.co.jp/en/news/04/1203_1e.html) [Toyota](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-ev) has come up with the ultimate toy--a [four-wheel personal transportation system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/yksi-electric-vehicle) that looks like a space-age car. Chief engineer, Yoshiaki Kato, says that it was designed to be an extension of the human body. It is powered by lithium-ion batteries and has an exterior made of biodegradable, plant-based materials. > Main Features > Mobility with an Ultra Compact Size > The “i-unit” creates a seamless transformation between vehicle and human movement, minimizing occupied space and energy consumption with its lightweight and ultra compact size. > Variable Positioning - The i-unit has a compact size enabling the passenger to move among other people in an upright position in low speed mode, and a low center of gravity that ensures stable handling when the vehicles reclines in high speed mode. > Ease of Operation - Drive Controller - Drive-by-wire technology and intuitive handling enable the passenger to maneuver on-the-spot turns and drive at high speed at will. > IT Controller - A driver support information system uses sound, light and vibration to facilitate interactive communication. > Driver Support System - The driver support system features Intelligent Transport System (ITS) technology, which Toyota hopes to utilize for an accident-free society. The system permits efficient and safe autopilot driving in specially equipped lanes. > “My-unit” - A personalized recognition system can provide information and music, and body color can be customized, according to the individual's preferences and emotions. > Environmentally Friendly Body Materials. The body is built using environmentally friendly plant-based materials such as kenaf. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.6/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 70% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Ultra-compact Personal Transportation:** The development of ultra-compact personal transportation systems with biodegradable, plant-based materials offers a disruptive innovation opportunity for sustainable mobility solutions. - **Intelligent Transport Systems:** The adoption of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology as a driver-support system holds disruptive innovation opportunities for autonomous and safe driving solutions. - **Customizable Personal Vehicle Technology:** The integration of advanced AI-powered personalized recognition systems offers disruptive innovation opportunities in designing customizable and intuitive personal vehicles. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive Manufacturing:** The automotive manufacturing industry can explore disruptive opportunities in designing eco-friendly personal transportation systems. - **Transportation Services:** Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) technology opens disruptive innovation opportunities in creating sustainable and autonomous transportation services. - **Advanced Personal Vehicle Technology:** Research and development in advanced AI-powered personalized recognition systems offers disruptive innovation opportunities for designing intuitive, smart and customizable personal vehicles. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Child Mobility Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfdriving-ev.md) - [Two-Seater Solar-Powered EVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-ftme.md) - [Interplanetary Exploration Vehicle Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-baby-lunar-cruiser.md) - [Diminutive All-Electric SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allelectric-suv.md) - [Compact Electric City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kg-motors.md) - [Micro Camper Concept Vans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kayoibakok.md) - [Electric Urbanite SUVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-urban-cruiser.md) - [Utilitarian Electric Four-Wheel Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/utv.md) - [Futuristic Imaginative Design Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecollection.md)