- Toyota is working on a drone that could be used as a spotter for off-roading.
- Project has apparently been in the works for awhile and the FAA was notified.
- There are currently no production plans, but it may show up on a concept.
Imagine you’re off-roading in a Land Cruiser and are about to crest a steep hill. You naturally check out the Multi-Terrain Monitor to look for hidden obstacles, but you still can’t get a good look at what’s ahead.
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This can happen more than you’d think, but Toyota is working on a high-tech solution. It involves launching a drone, which would then act as a spotter.
Eyes in the Sky
According to Reuters, Toyota submitted the idea to the Federal Aviation Administration and said “At times, operators may fly a drone above the treeline to capture videos used to orient themselves or capture the terrain.”
More: BYD To Offer A Drone That Launches Off Its Cars For $2,200
While it sounds pretty gimmicky, the automaker noted providing views around and below the vehicle would allow drivers to “plan safer routes and improve vehicle operations.”
The company has reportedly been working on the idea for awhile, although a spokesperson told the publication they’re “constantly working on new technologies” and “do not have any product plans to announce at this time.”
That’s not surprising, although it wouldn’t be shocking if the drone system eventually turned up on a concept.
Quite the opposite as a number of concepts now come with drones. Earlier this summer, Renault introduced the Vision 4Rescue concept, which had a roof-mounted box for launching drones.
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More recently, Policing Lab showed an autonomous PUG (Police Unmanned Ground Patrol Partner), which also featured a drone that could be deployed from the roof.
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