Adapted from Edmunds Inside Line and HowStuffWorks

Toyota is planning to roll out the latest in its “personal mobility” vehicles at the 2007 Toyota Auto Show. The new RiN Concept monitors the driver’s mood and takes steps to keep it even-keel. It accomplishes this through seats designed to maintain good back posture, an oxygen-level conditioner, and a pinpoint humidifier. Presumably these features help eliminate subconscious, physical discomfort which could contribute to angry drivers. Another, more exciting feature is an image display that aligns with the driver’s psychological state. These image displays are conveyed within the meter cluster of the mood-training steering control.

While the method for this mood display is not disclosed, it seems to suggest the RiN’s biorhythmic monitoring is similar to exercise machines—reading heart rate through the hands. It also maintains an awareness of its impact upon other drivers through a light distribution control. This drivers conscious vehicle is the latest in a series of very sensitive, if not moody personal mobility vehicles that include the interesting Toyota PM Concept. Targeted towards young adults known for cliquish behavior, the PMs communicate with other PMs through LED technology. Much like giant squid, the PMs communicate the drivers’ moods through changing colors. They also, like sea creatures and landlubbers, prefer to travel in packs. Multiple PMs can communicate with each other, and when traveling, can designate a lead vehicle while others follow on autopilot. It gives carpooling a whole new meaning.