Taking Over for Yuta Tomikawa? Tommy Is Growing Fast with AI Technology

Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the founding of Toyota Motor Corporation, the Toyota Kaikan Museum (Toyoda City, Aichi Prefecture) had a grand re-opening in August 2024. Amidst rows of Toyota automobiles and company history, a boy with a "T" on his chest draws the eye. Do you remember him?

We first met Tommy on Toyota Times News last September. The Tommy Project has been underway since 2023, building a robot modeled on Yuta Tomikawa. With a cute design and movements modeled on the man himself, he represents a future dream of human and robot coexistence.

It is at the Toyota Kaikan Museum where we can witness Tommy's growth. What will he show us this time? When Tomikawa approaches him, he quickly speaks up, "Hello, that's a nice jacket." The Toyota Times crew, who spend their days working with Tomikawa, agree: Tommy sounds just like him.

After that, they chat back and forth, and Tommy doesn't miss a beat, even with the smallest murmur, just like a human. Actually, Tommy has a special role in the making of this video... Will everyone be able to notice what he's doing?

With generative AI technology, Tommy is now able to communicate with individuals. He's growing surprisingly fast, and this program takes a look at what his development team envisions for his future.

Tommy will be working as a guide at the Toyota Kaikan Museum from mid-November 2024. Be sure to stop by for a chat if you visit the museum!