#Japan #Toyota #Tokyo #Mobility Foundation #Senior Drivers

Toyota Mobility Foundation Launches Innovative Pilot Program

Toyota Mobility Foundation (TMF), led by Chairman Akio Toyoda, has embarked on an exciting pilot initiative called “Doratore” aimed at enhancing the safety and driving longevity of elderly drivers. This service integrates driving diagnostic systems and physical training, collaborating closely with SUNNY FLOWS, a fitness gym dedicated to extending driving life, and quantum, a company specializing in AI technology.

Addressing a Growing Concern

The issue of accidents involving elderly drivers has emerged as a significant social problem, prompting discussions around license renewal and surrender. However, studies have shown a strong correlation between driving longevity and overall health. Through ongoing pilot programs like “Doramiru,” which leverages AI diagnostic techniques, TMF has been committed to devising mechanisms that assist elderly drivers in maintaining safe driving practices.

Since the launch of “Doramiru” in 2022, around 400 participants have engaged in the program. The initiative, which provides feedback on driving behavior by analyzing dashcam footage, has proven effective in reducing behaviors that lead to accidents, such as failure to stop and insufficient safety checks. Feedback from participants has highlighted the importance of clear and understandable information for meaningful behavioral change.

Despite these successes, changing driving behavior relies heavily on the individual’s willingness and effort. TMF recognizes that beyond simply providing diagnostics, support must extend to encouraging drivers to improve their habits actively.

Collaboration with SUNNY FLOWS

SUNNY FLOWS, committed to promoting driving longevity, offers regular physical training and driving simulations to evaluate critical metrics like judgment and reaction speed. Although the gym has not conducted direct driving evaluations, the collaboration with TMF aims to merge these efforts to create a comprehensive service that fosters safer driving habits through physical conditioning.

Recognizing the strong alignment of goals, TMF and SUNNY FLOWS partnered to leverage each other's strengths, thereby launching the innovative “Safe Drive Training” program.

Pilot Program Details

The pilot program will continuously provide tailored physical training based on the driving diagnostics results from “Doramiru.” This approach will help measure and analyze the physical and behavioral changes among the participants, aiming to improve their driving skills and overall sensibility.

Physical training will focus on four areas crucial to driving: 1) anticipatory function; 2) cognitive judgment capabilities; 3) motor control; and 4) lower-body strength enhancement. This comprehensive training program is expected to bring about noticeable improvements even in a short period.

Participants and Timeline

• - Participants: 10 elderly drivers aged 65 and above
• - Duration: Scheduled from November 5, 2025, to December 10, 2025

Collaborating Companies and Roles

• - TMF: Overall project planning and leadership for the pilot.
• - SUNNY FLOWS: Participant recruitment, training provision, and operational management.
• - quantum: Comprehensive project planning and collaboration.
• - DENSO: Provision of the “Doramiru” driving diagnostic system, support in service design, and evaluation of effectiveness.
• - Tokio Marine & Nichido: Assistance in service design and effectiveness evaluation.

Commitment to Stakeholders

Since its inception, Toyota Motor Corporation has been dedicated to respecting all stakeholders including customers, business partners, employees, and local communities, all while striving to create a thriving society through the vehicle. In August 2014, TMF was established to help facilitate more socially beneficial activities, focusing on a wide array of projects aimed at resolving mobility challenges worldwide.

Through this initiative, TMF and its partners are working diligently to contribute to a richer society through enhanced mobility systems, underscoring the importance of safe driving for everyone, particularly elderly drivers. The launch of “Doratore” represents a significant step forward in ensuring the well-being of senior drivers while promoting longevity in both their driving capabilities and health.