Sony, Yamaha Partner on Autonomous Video Pod

Sony Corp. and Yamaha Motor Co. have developed a self-driving demonstration vehicle that is fitted with large display screens throughout its interior and exterior.

Dubbed the SC-1 Sociable Cart, the electric vehicle teams Yamaha’s autonomous vehicle systems with Sony’s imaging technology. The companies plan to showcase different versions of the vehicle at various venues in Japan, including amusement parks, golf courses and corporate facilities.

Measuring 123 inches long, 51 inches wide and 72 inches tall, the pod can accommodate five passengers. The vehicle is fitted with a variety of sensors and telematics that allow it to operate autonomously or via remote control at a top speed of about 12 mph.

The windowless design allows for four 55-inch 4K LCD monitors to be placed on exterior body panels. The screens can flash messages to other road users and stream videos. The cart also can display advertising, which could be tailored to nearby onlookers based on demographic information gathered and analyzed by an onboard artificial intelligence system, according to the partners.

The 49-inch 4K LCD interior display can stream videos or display images from the vehicle’s exterior cameras. Sony says the interior monitors also can be teamed with augmented reality technology to provide an immersive experience for passengers.

Sony and Yamaha previously partnered on the SC-1 New Concept Cart, which they have been testing since 2017. The new vehicle is said to be larger and much more sophisticated.