Toyota has resumed service of its autonomous vehicle service, with additional safety measures in place, following an accident involving a Paralympian.
The autonomous shuttle service was halted last week after an e-Palette struck a visually impaired athlete in the Paralympic Games village.
According to Toyota, the vehicle’s sensor detected the pedestrian crossing and activated the automatic brake, and the operator also activated the emergency brake. However, the vehicle hit the pedestrian before it stopped.
In a statement following the incident the company, said: “Firstly, we would like to express our sincerest apologies to the individual that was injured due to this unfortunate collision, and we wish them a speedy recovery. We would also like to apologise for any inconvenience caused to those who use our mobility vehicles in the Athletes’ Village.”
It promised an investigation and has worked with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to ensure no further incidents.
Toyota said it has taken steps to ensure greater safety and security. It will increase the volume of the vehicles’ approach-warning sounds, improve the system for manual driving, and educate operators in order to respond to the safety needs of the diverse range of people unique to the Paralympics.
It has implemented a change to manual acceleration/deceleration and stopping, as well as increasing the number of crew members in the vehicles.
Additionally, the car manufacturer has increased the number of guides at intersections and released additional safety advice.
After taking these measures, ensuring time for the training of on-site personnel, and conducting test runs, the Organising Committee determined mobility operations should resume, and did so on 31 August.
