Aisin releases AI-based door opening/closing system and Gigacast alternative technology

At the end of August, Toyota Motor Group's major parts manufacturer Aisin (Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture) unveiled to the press the technology it is developing at its proving ground in Toyokoro Town, Hokkaido. The company is also using AI (artificial intelligence) to create cars that are easier to use and safer.

An Aisin representative stands in front of the driver's seat of the prototype car. The smartphone in my hand became a digital key, and the door opened automatically.

After getting into the driver's seat, I shifted my gaze to the rear to check before exiting, and the door opened again by itself. No operation required. The person in charge explained, ``The car predicts which door you want to open and opens it for you.''

The ``Stress-Free Entry System'' currently under development uses a camera built into the vehicle body to capture the human skeleton and estimate body orientation and line of sight. The system determines which door you want to open and opens and closes it.

Aisin has strengths in door-related products as well as drive systems that transmit power generated by engines and other devices to tires. Its representative product is the power sliding door developed in 2001, which commands approximately 70% of the global market share.

Previously, they had also worked on a system that opened a door using the movement of the foot. However, there were issues such as it being difficult to see one's feet when one's hands were full, so this time we focused on the movement of people themselves.

Suspicious individuals can also be caught using the same system. The millimeter wave radar that detects obstacles determines when a person is approaching and starts recording. If the system detects movement such as breaking the glass or attempting to open the key by manipulating the wiring behind the front wheel, a warning sound will sound.

The goal is to introduce it in 30 years, and a person in charge says, ``We are using AI to improve accuracy.We also want to be able to update it in line with changes in crime patterns.''

Taking advantage of Tesla's technology

Development in new areas is also progressing. This time, the ``TEKIZAI body'' was unveiled for the first time.

Until now, the body that forms the car body was made by joining together about 90 sheet metal parts, but in 2020, Tesla introduced ``Gigacast'', which is made in one step by injecting molten aluminum alloy into a mold at high pressure. Japanese automakers are also considering adopting this technology as it will lead to significant cost reductions, but it requires a huge initial investment and a large area of ​​land.

Therefore, Aisin has decided to...