The Toyota Research Institute unveiled an electric prototype of the GRIP (Global Research Innovation Platform) as part of TRI Expo 2023. It stands out for its fully wired control system, with no physical connections directly linking the cockpit controls to the vehicle actuators such as steering or braking components. In simple terms, every control input traverses a wired network to operate the car, which is a notable departure from conventional mechanical linkages. This design choice highlights a focus on electronic control architectures and rapid, flexible experimentation in future mobility concepts. [Citation: car.watch]
The vehicle is powered by electric motors organized as wheel motors, meaning each wheel houses its own driving motor. This arrangement enables more precise torque distribution and fosters a high degree of maneuverability. The chassis itself is designed so that every wheel can be steered independently, granting the prototype a level of steering versatility beyond traditional four-wheel setups. Such a configuration lays the groundwork for advanced drive modes and dynamic coordination among wheels, potentially reducing latency between driver intent and vehicle response. [Citation: car.watch]
Exploration comes in several directions. The GRIP platform can rotate the front and rear wheels in different directions to minimize the required turning radius, or it can synchronize wheel angles to produce a “crab” mode that allows diagonal, sideways travel. This capability opens up a spectrum of maneuvering possibilities useful for tight urban spaces, emergency response scenarios, or complex parking situations. By separating steering inputs across axles, the system tests how driver intention translates into coordinated wheel behavior, a critical area for future autonomous and assistive driving technologies. [Citation: car.watch]
Beyond the chassis and drive dynamics, the GRIP project serves as a testbed for broader research aims at TRI. The Institute is actively pursuing advances in machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the development of new materials that could complement high-performance electric platforms. The integrated approach reflects a philosophy where vehicle behavior, control systems, perception, and materials science converge to shape next-generation mobility experiences. [Citation: car.watch]
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Notes on the broader context indicate that TRI uses this prototype to probe how drivers interact with increasingly capable, wire-based vehicle architectures. The experimentation supports ongoing work to improve human-vehicle interfaces and to understand how automated systems can collaborate with human operators in real-world environments. The GRIP platform thus exemplifies a research path that blends ergonomics, control theory, and AI-driven optimization to inform the design of future electric vehicles. [Citation: car.watch]