Friday 24 January 2014

Bold Looks, Spirited Performance :: The 2014 Toyota RAV4

 Innovative features and impressive cargo capacity make the Canadian-built compact SUV a favourite with Canadian drivers
 
(TORONTO, ON – January 24, 2014) Playtime never looked so good, with the bold styling, fun-to-drive performance, lots of storage space and an incredible list of features found in the 2014 Toyota RAV4.
 
“Last year, we completely reinvented the RAV4 – and this year we’ve made enhancements to popular models, making Canada’s popular compact SUV make even more sense for Canadians and their busy lifestyles,” said Larry Hutchinson, Vice President at Toyota Canada Inc. “Built in Woodstock, Ontario, the 2014 RAV4 is impressive by any measure – whether it’s driving dynamics, comfort for driver and passengers, or fuel efficiency.”
 
The 2014 RAV4 is offered in five models – two front-wheel-drive and three all-wheel-drive. Regardless of drive train, every model is engineered for fun, comfort, style, versatility and performance.
 
All 2014 RAV4 models feature a 176 HP 2.5L 4-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission with sequential shift mode and three driver selectable drive modes – Sport, ECO and normal – to match the RAV4’s performance and efficiency to one’s driving style or desire.
The boldly sculpted body is more than visually distinct: The styling contributes to RAV4’ssignificant cargo capacity, plus an abundance of legroom for those sitting in the reclining rear seats. A lift-back rear door and lower loading height make it easier to load and unload up to 1,090 liters worth of groceries, golf bags, garden gear, or other goodies.
 
The 2014 RAV4 also receives top marks for safety, as every model is equipped with eight airbags, anchor points for child protector seats, and more. As with every new Toyota since 2011, the 2014 RAV4 is also standard equipped with the six active safety technologies of the Star Safety System: Antilock Brake System, Brake Assist, Electronic Brake-force Distribution, Vehicle Stability Control, Active Traction Control and Smart Stop Technology work together to help drivers avoid potential accident situations.
 
All 2014 RAV4 models come with comfort, convenience and style features, including: Audio systems equipped with USB inputs and Bluetooth connectivity for portable devices, plus steering wheel-mounted audio and Bluetooth controls; air conditioning with a dust, pollen and deodorizing filter; power door locks with keyless entry; a full range of instrumentation including a fuel economy meter, tachometer, dual trip odometer, eco drive indicator, outside temperature gauge and more; power windows with driver’s side auto down; front windshield acoustic glass; a three-spoke steering wheel on a tilting/telescoping column; cargo and map lamps; plenty of thoughtful in-cabin storage; cruise control; 12-volt accessory power outlet and retained accessory power; reclining rear seats with a 60/40 split fold down configuration, plus fold-down centre armrest; dual power adjustable and heated exterior mirrors with integrated signal lamps; a rear spoiler with integrated LED stop lamp; and more.
 
The 2014 RAV4 is available in five models:

Friday 3 January 2014

Robot Astronaut Kirobo Takes Part in Conversation Experiment Aboard International Space Station


Dentsu Inc. (Dentsu), the University of Tokyo’s Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST), Robo Garage Co., Ltd. (Robo Garage) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announce today that on December 6, 2013, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Koichi Wakata and robot astronaut Kirobo held a conversation experiment on board the International Space Station (ISS).

The conversation, the first of its kind between a human and a robot in outer space, represents the latest development in the Kibo Robot Project, a joint research project carried out by Dentsu, RCAST, Robo Garage and TMC. JAXA is also providing extensive assistance
Experiment content:
Autonomous conversation using voice recognition technology
Communication with people on Earth

Extract from the conversation experiment (translation)
Wakata: How did you get out here into space, Kirobo? Kirobo: On the Kounotori* from Tanegashima Space Center. Wakata: Right. So you came here on the Kounotori? Kirobo: Not the bird, of course! A rocket. Wakata: It’s incredible that you came here all by yourself. Kirobo: Well, I’m a robot! *Name of the H-II Transfer Vehicle used with the H-IIB Launch Vehicle

Further conversations will be held, and conversation logs and other data will be utilized by the project participants. The key aims of the project are to facilitate the coexistence of humans and robots, and to explore possible future deployment of communication robots in outer space.
Kirobo’s basic specifications
Dimensions: Height: 34 cm, Width: 18 cm, Depth: 15 cm (approx.) Weight: 1 kg (approx.) Language: Japanese Main features: Voice recognition, natural language processing, voice synthesis, telecommunications functions, gestures, facial recognition camera, recording camera

Key project developments to date
Nov 29, 2012 The project is announced; public begins proposing robot names. Jun 26, 2013 Kirobo and ground crew member Mirata are completed and publicly introduced. Aug 4, 2013 Kirobo leaves Japan for the ISS aboard the Kounotori 4 transfer vehicle Aug 10, 2013 Kirobo arrives on the ISS. Aug 21, 2013 Kirobo speaks his first words in outer space:
“On August 21, 2013, a robot took one small step toward a brighter future for all.”

Future project plans
Dec 2014 Kirobo scheduled to return to Earth.