LOS ANGELES — Haptics, interactivity, technology driving (and being driven by) emotions. These are all concepts associated with the cutting edge of adult entertainment — but they also represent forward-looking technologies coming to a car near you.
As the adult industry becomes increasingly tech-focused, it is taking inspiration from the mainstream while in turn inspiring mainstream companies — a ying-yang chicken-and-egg cycle that is transforming the way consumers interact with the wide world around them.
Take for example Toyota’s Concept-i, which it calls “an exciting glimpse into a future mobility that is warm, friendly and revolves around you.”
“While we can’t predict the future, we can inspire it,” explains a Toyota spokesperson. “The forward-thinking minds at our Calty Design Research center have dreamed up a concept of automotive UX that is intelligent, friendly and helpful. Intelligent cars that continually learn, and, in turn, keep getting smarter. Brilliant cars that get to know you and your needs, and then start to anticipate them for you. A bond between car, driver, and society that, like any great relationship, revolves around trust and loyalty.”
These are very heady concepts that resonate with the next generation of consumers — regardless of the commodity they are consuming.
To execute its vision, Toyota is introducing Yui, which it calls “a liaison between you, your passengers and your car,” and characterizes this technology as “less of a machine [and] more of a pal.”
“More pal than the interface, Yui, in tandem with AI, anticipates your needs and informs the car so that Concept-i can consider and execute that next action accordingly,” the spokesperson adds. “Concept-i was built from the inside out, with a focus on making it immersive, energetic and, most importantly — approachable. Thanks to artificial intelligence, we foresee an automotive future wherein our cars can connect with us. Thanks to Yui, Concept-i will enhance that relationship between car and driver.”
Although Toyota doesn’t explicitly say so, part of this “pal” feature is lending a hand when you’ve over-indulged in intoxicants or under indulge in sleep, using biometric sensors located throughout the car to “detect what you’re feeling,” then analyzing this information through the car’s AI.
“Let’s say, for example, that you’re feeling sad; the AI will analyze your emotion, make a recommendation and if necessary, take over and drive you safely to your destination,” the Toyota spokesperson explains. “So safety and protection are a major benefit of this relationship. By knowing you better, Concept-i can help protect you better.”
This technology permeates the vehicle and even extends to its exterior, where light-up panels alert other motorists when the vehicle is in self-driving mode, but is not an end-all in itself, with Toyota saying “Concept-i follows our belief that vehicles shouldn’t start with technology — they should start, and end, with the experience of the people who use them.”
The takeaway for adult website operators in 2017 and beyond is that porn and novelties alike shouldn’t start with technology — they should start, and end, with the experience of the people who enjoy it.