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Toyota Unveils Driving Simulator

Huge dome rocks and rolls on rails

By Laila Weir, Newser User

Posted Nov 26, 2007 1:34 PM CST

(Newser) – Toyota today unveiled its new driving simulator, a 7-meter-across dome with 360-degree imaging that mimics the experience of real driving by rocking on a rail. Toyota will use the simulator to test safety features without endangering drivers, see how tiredness and intoxication affect driving, and develop safety features for specific groups such as the elderly, reported the AP.

The simulator is more realistic than other car makers' machines, but is similar to one owned by the US Highway Safety Administration. Toyota separately demonstrated experimental safety features, among them wireless systems that indicate upcoming red lights and that warn of unnoticed pedestrians using a GPS system.

Toyota Motor Corp. engineer Takashi Yonekawa shows inside of his project team's new driving simulator for testing safety features at its Higashifuji Technical Center in Susono, southwest of Tokyo, Monday,... (Associated Press)

The 360 degree computer graphic imagery of roads and landscape, complete with signs, pedestrians, street-side stores and faraway Mount Fuji - all synchronized to move with the simulated driving - is shown... (Associated Press)

Toyota Motor Corp.'s new driving simulator for testing safety features is demonstrated during a press preview at its Higashifuji Technical Center in Susono, southwest of Tokyo, Monday, Nov. 26, 2007.... (Associated Press)

Toyota Motor Corp. engineer Takashi Yonekawa shows his project team's new driving simulator for testing safety features at its Higashifuji Technical Center in Susono, southwest of Tokyo, Monday, Nov.... (Associated Press)

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Huge dome rocks and rolls on rails

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Toyota • driving • auto industry • car safety • safety testing • cars

MOST POPULAR STORIES

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Automakers Pushing 'Connected' Cars

Gizmos proliferate amid concerns on distracted driving

GM Reclaims World's No.1 Spot

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Car Sales Jumped 14% Last Month

Chrysler, VW saw huge gains

Today's SUVs 'Light Years Safer'

Auto industry appears to have solved vexing problem

Ford, Toyota Join Forces on Hybrid System

Partnership prompted by airport-terminal chat

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Newser By Users

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