Visitors to Japan can now experience semi-autonomous parking technology within the realms of their accommodation; in the furniture, the floor cushions, and even the slippers.
While otherwise similar in appearance to any other traditional inn, known in Japan as a ryokan, the ProPILOT Ryokan in Yokohama is putting Nissan’s technology to some more unusual uses. Do not be surprised to witness a speeding slipper whizzing by, or a table maneuvering to the center of the room.
Originally demonstrated in a Nissan Leaf in October 2017, the semi-autonomous ProPILOT technology allows the user to activate the process via the simple the press of a button, initiating a process of transporting the object to a designated area. For cars, this could be a selected parking location; and for the ryokan furniture, the process is very similar.
The technology includes sensors which detect surrounding objects and obstacles; and, presumably, the guests. There will likely be no unexpected cushion to guest collisions.
Ryokan’s are traditionally minimalist and neatly organized, and this technology allows for precision, lining up the slippers in the foyer next to where guests are required to remove their shoes before entering. After a room as been used and vacated, a button can be pressed to restore the room to its original state. Table in the middle, cushions precisely lined up around the table’s parameter.
While this is more likely a showcase for Nissan’s technology, entertaining guests and increasing awareness in the technological advancements, Japanese companies are infamous for being innovative, and maybe a little unorthodox, with their application of technological innovations. Robot assistants, self-service restaurants, and cabaret shows staffed entirely by robotics are all common place.
While Ryokan’s are rare in Tokyo, or other major urban centres, the ProPILOT Ryokan gives visitors to Japan’s capital city a close-by location to experience Japan’s oldest style of accommodation with a very modern twist.
Not just footwear - check out the future of office furniture with our story on Office Chairs Can Park Themselves--But Not Autonomously.