Toyota's Soccer Robot is developed by a substantial engineering group consisting of 28,000 members.
Toyota Unveils World's First Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Soccer Robot
Toyota has taken a significant step forward in the realm of robotics and sustainable energy with the creation of PIXI, the world's first hydrogen-powered autonomous soccer robot. This groundbreaking invention is a testament to Toyota's commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the blending of cutting-edge technology with its core values.
The project is the brainchild of Toyota's Engineering Society (TES), a collective of around 28,000 engineers who are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of engineering and robotics. Established in 1947, TES operates as a bottom-up organisation, fostering a spirit of collaboration and problem-solving that aligns with Toyota's foundational principles.
The hydrogen-powered autonomous soccer robot project is a prime example of TES's exploration into carbon-neutral technologies and autonomous systems. PIXI's remarkable abilities include precise aiming and shooting of soccer balls, capable of reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h. This feat has even caught the attention of former members of Japan's national soccer team, with Satoshi Tsunami commenting that PIXI surpasses him in aiming and shooting from the penalty spot.
The creation of PIXI was not limited to Toyota's automotive expertise. In fact, many of the project team members had no experience in robot development. To overcome this challenge, the team sought guidance from experienced members within TES, particularly those with a background in hardware design.
The choice to focus on a soccer robot was strategic. Soccer, a game enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds, provides an accessible platform to showcase the capabilities of PIXI and inspire a wider audience.
In addition to PIXI, TES has worked on a variety of unconventional creations, such as a fish robot designed for marine garbage collection. This versatility underscores TES's commitment to improving technical capabilities and igniting the monozukuri spirit in its members.
The soccer robot project is not the only shift in focus for TES. In 2017, the Society embarked on a new journey with the creation of an AI-driven basketball robot. The Engineering Society continues to work on projects aimed at improving technology, skills, and knowledge, demonstrating their dedication to Toyota's mission of "Inventing our path forward, together."
[1] Toyota's Engineering Society and the Hydrogen-Powered Autonomous Soccer Robot Project. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/engineering-society/ [2] Toyota Engineering Society: A Brief Overview. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.toyota-global.com/innovation/engineering-society/ [3] Toyota's Philosophy and the Toyoda Principles. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://global.toyota/en/about/philosophy/index.html
- Toyota's Engineering Society, in their pursuit of innovation, has ventured beyond autonomous vehicles and into the realm of sports, developing a hydrogen-powered soccer robot named PIXI, demonstrating their dedication to the broader application of cutting-edge technology.
- Beyond the bounds of traditional automotive engineering, the hydrogen-powered autonomous soccer robot project involved collaboration with experienced members in hardware design, reflecting Toyota's Engineering Society's commitment to versatility and mastery of diverse technological fields.
