Toyota unveiled its latest autonomous prototype at the 2018 Consumer Electronic Show, dubbed the Platform 3.0. Based on the last generation Lexus LS600h, the new driverless vehicle platform features a better integration of autonomous driving systems into the car’s design, along with greater capabilities over previous prototypes. Compared to its predecessor, Platform 3.0 features a Luminar Lidar system that tracks 200 meters and 360 degrees around the vehicle, as opposed to the outgoing platform only sensing the front of the vehicle.
According to the company, the new platform also has the capability to incorporate new technologies as they come available, essentially future-proofing. Toyota says it plans to start producing Platform 3.0 vehicles in the northern hemisphere by late March, with all the upcoming prototypes to be based on production Lexus LS models.