The first substantial experiment of the entertainment project “cross 5km/h”, auto travel mobility service “iino” by Kansai Electric Power ended with a great success. It was held in Osaka Castle, one of the most prestigious castles in Japan.
Kansai Electric Power’s Co., inc.(KEP) and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Co., Ltd.(SJN), conducted a demonstration experiment on a mobile platform service using “iino” from March 17th to March 21st. The demonstration of this new idea came out of the “Osaka Castle Park Experiment Project” that was started by the “Verification Business Review Team”, which consisted of: the Osaka Prefectural Government, Osaka City Government, and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Based on the concept of the “cross 5km/h” mobile entertainment, they offered completely new experimental plans, such as mobile tea parties, to a small number of foreign tourists who applied in advance.
Traveling in a tourist spot can easily get exhausting and that could take some of the fun out of it. There are many things that you can see, hear, and feel when you travel at the speed of 5 kilometers per hour with iino. You will be able to enjoy the sights and food is provided for you without the stress of moving around. We believe this project is a new entertainment category that can be achieved through the age of autonomous driving.
The event was held as the first substantial “mobile-entertainment experience” project held at Osaka Castle Park for foreign tourists.
Along with Atsushi Hioki, a choreographer and master dancer, the “Slow-Moving Tea Rooms and Classical Japanese Dance” was conducted with the aim of making Japanese traditional tea ceremonies more casual and maximize the scenery of Osaka Castle. As a result, there was a rush of application requests to try out the experience, despite it being advertised only a week before. Although it was about a 45-minute long experience, it has received many positive responses such as, “I wish I could relax and enjoy Osaka Castle Park for two or three more hours on this.”
In addition, a large audience gathered to see an impromptu performance by LA SENAS, a performance arts group that uses 150 types of hand signs. The show was held on the several iino which made the audience impressed. Taking advantage of automatic driving, the stage moved freely through the castle’s park as it navigated Nishinomaru-niwa Garden.
Furthermore, iino was served as a mobile vendor, providing food,drinks, and space while traveling around Osaka Castle Park. There were many people who said, “It was very pleasant to eat or drink something while strolling at a comfortable pace.” Special products that are famous in Japan were introduced to the foreigners and then made available to purchase as souvenirs for tourists visiting the castle.
In the future, iino will be developed as a mobile experience platform in tourist spots around Japan. This project aims to provide valuable new experience by utilizing the technology of low-speed urban mobility. Low-speed control technology and pedestrian avoidance technology are always advancing; this is guaranteed to grow and become more popular. In addition, SJN provides remote monitoring, prior risk assessment, and insurance services to ensure safety. The result of all of this has led “iino”, that runs automatically at 5km/h, to become a great success.
As a mobile platform, iino can provide a wide range of entertainment: Japanese traditional performing arts, relaxation, improvisation music, mobile sales, street walking, and sightseeing (means of movement); all of this is done on the car. KEP is highly motivated in providing new experiences to each sightseeing spot in Japan; together with municipalities and businesses that own, maintain, and manage vast lands, tourist spots, and facilities.
[Brief Overview]
Implementation Period:
March 17th-21st, 2019, 12PM – 8PM
*Depends on the weather and other conditions.
*Cancellation due to rain
Location:
Osaka Castle Park Nishinomaru Garden and surroundings
Company information:
Project iino by Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc.(KEP)
Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Co., Ltd.(SJN)
Dedicated website: http://cross5km.com/
[About iino]
Significant experiment for low-speed and short-ride mobility with automated cruise
http://iinomob.jp/en/
Details:
Demonstration of service at a tourist site using 5km/h self-driving platform
Phone : +81-50-7112-4921
