Spirit of punk inspires the future of Innovation
Tetsuro Ueda, the expert leader at the Nissan Research Center's Yokohama Lab, places great emphasis on the excitement that innovation brings. He also believes that simple/simplistic technology can maximize this sense of excitement. Reflecting on the innovations that have interested him over the years, Ueda states that most of them incorporated simple technologies (analogue and low-tech) in new and interesting ways.
However, pursuing simple technology while most other technology companies push high-technology demands courage as Ueda must challenge the norm of technological development. What drives Ueda forward is the spirit of punk. Like how punk culture works to alter mainstream culture and shouts for rebellion, Ueda must, at times, question the mainstream of technological development in order to advance his philosophy.
Today, Nissan Research Center's Yokohama Lab is aiming to differentiate itself within the fast-paced competition of AI research by utilizing simple technology. Not only does it aim for enhanced efficiency and safety through AI, but also for hitherto-unknown excitement and playfulness by combining AI with simple technology. AutoDJ, developed by Yokohama Lab, brings an exciting driving experience with its punk-inspired spirit of rebellion.
Eporo: a body for AutoDJ
AutoDJ is an in-vehicle agent system utilizing generative AI. Based on conversations with the driver, AutoDJ can suggest destinations, set up the navigation system and generate personalized radio content in real time. And Eporo, Nissan's iconic character, gives AutoDJ a tangible body for the system. In fact, it is this very physicality that makes the system extremely unique.
AutoDJ can be easily set up by placing a smartphone and an Eporo figurine near the driving seat. A chat screen, accompanied by a 3D model of Eporo, will appear on the smartphone screen. Having the figurine face the screen creates an interesting illusion in which the on-screen animations looks as if they are mirror reflections of the facial expressions on the figurine. This trick is also an example of simple technology used to innovative and fun effect. Eporo's presence symbolizes Yokohama Lab's pursuit of playfulness and excitement.
In addition to these features, users can customize Eporo's appearance and tone of voice by choosing from a range of styles like "Samurai Eporo" and "Uncle Eporo." Users can also generate original AutoDJ assistants from photos or capsule toys bought from special vending machines. AutoDJ experiments with new and surprising methods of personalization.
*Video available in Japanese only
Various characters of Eporo
The 'Diorama Navi' physicalizes the car navigation system
AutoDJ incorporates another version of simple technology in its new prototype developed for an upcoming autonomous mobility service demonstration experiment in Yokohama's Minato Mirai district. Inside the AutoDJ-equipped vehicle awaits a surprising feature — a tactile, 3D diorama-style navigation system. Inside a separate diorama of Minato Mirai (referred to as the "Diorama Navi"), tiny toy cars run around, displaying the real time locations of the AutoDJ-equipped cars as they drive through the streets. The miniature cars within the diorama function as "Analogue Twins" of the AutoDJ-equipped cars in real life. Diorama Navi's physicality defies the digital era's norms and sparks a sense of playfulness, wonder and re-evaluation in users.
A retro-style radio is installed beneath the Diorama Navi in the control section of AutoDJ. The radio is, of course, another example of simple technology. Its physical features — like the dials, push buttons and a phone receiver to chat with Eporo as if through a walkie-talkie — are all designed to revive the excitement of physical interaction with machines, long forgotten as touchscreen has become the norm. The radio can play various personalized content like FM-inspired shows starring AI personalities called "Mina" and "Mirai," or audio guided tours generated based on the selected destinations and their nearby facilities. Since all the audio content is AI-generated, the content will differ each time it's played. Users can enjoy a unique experience with every ride, discovering something new each time.
*Video available in Japanese only
Another prototype based on the Diorama Navi is in the process of development. The "Diorama Control Tower" imagines a future control system for autonomous mobility services. Scaled up from the Diorama Navi, the Diorama Control Tower features multiple miniature cars running across dioramas, and the research team is exploring ways to combine this experience in unforgettable and exciting ways with AR/VR technologies.
Ueda emphasizes the importance of developing physical interfaces like the physical AI agent and Diorama Navi, even if it may seem inefficient and incongruous to the digital age. In fact, he explains that technological progression does not follow a straight path. Engineers must step out of the norm and expectations in order to truly reach the future. That is why Ueda continues to pursue his radical visions with single-minded belief, even if they seem unachievable within the current technological landscape. The Yokohama Lab, led by Ueda, passionately embodies Nissan's "Dare to do what others don't" spirit with punk Innovation ― engineering playfully, harking back to simple technologies to unlock new futures.
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