Doranyamu: The Cat-Like Pet Robot You Won't Want to Wake

Toyota Mobility Foundation is a general incorporated foundation established by Toyota Motor Corporation in 2014. We address social challenges related to mobility, including traffic safety and assistance with getting around, to help build a better mobility society.
As part of this work, we collaborated with companies including DENSO and quantum to explore a different approach to road safety.
The result is Doranyamu, exhibited here.
This cat-like pet robot encourages safe driving. It usually sleeps peacefully in the passenger seat, but wakes with a questioning meow when it detects rough driving such as sudden braking. Its behavioral-design approach uses the driver's desire not to wake it to encourage gentler driving naturally.
Rather than correcting drivers or appealing to fear, we are testing a new way to prevent accidents by bringing out their own kindness. We hope you will take an interest and come meet Doranyamu at the venue.