The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) is exploring blockchain and distributed ledger (BC/DL) technology for use in the development of a new mobility ecosystem that could accelerate development of autonomous driving technology.
TRI is collaborating with the MIT Media Lab (MIT ML) and other industry partners to foster a digital environment where users – both businesses and consumers – can securely share driving and autonomous vehicle testing data, manage rideshare and carshare transactions, and store vehicle usage information that could be used in the setting of insurance rates.
Blockchain technology sends information over a network of independent computers, known as a distributed ledger, intended to ensure that the transaction is secure and ownership rights over the data/property are protected. TRI believes blockchain may create transparency and trust among users, reduce risk of fraud, and reduce or eliminate transaction costs, such as fees or surcharges applied by third party institutions.
Through an open-source approach to software tools, TRI is creating a user consortium and hopes to stimulate more rapid adoption of blockchain by other companies developing autonomous vehicles and providing mobility services. TRI is inviting current and future partners to collaborate on further development of BC/DL technology applications in vehicle data and services.
TRI is working with several industry partners in addition to MIT ML to develop applications and proofs of concept for three areas of the new mobility ecosystem: driving/testing data sharing; car/ride share transactions; and usage-based insurance.
May 24, 2017
