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A Hitchless Towing System? Toyota’s On It!

Two Toyota Siennas, linked without being physically so
Photo: YouTube (CarScoops)
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Daniel Rufiange
Will we one day see driverless trailers obediently following around the vehicles they're electronically linked to? Don’t bet against it

Over the last decade, we’ve seen some pretty incredible technologies introduced in vehicles, and the pace of innovations seems only to be increasing with each new generation of models.

The advances are coming so quickly, it’s a challenge even to guess what might be next. Many try, of course, particularly in the field of autonomous vehicles, in which the possibilities seem endless.

Here’s a twist on the concept that many may not have thought of. Toyota is currently looking at the possibilities of developing a hitchless towing system.

What’s that, you ask? Well it’s more or less what it sounds like. One vehicle pulls another without the two being physically attached. In a video showing a rudimentary system at work, we can see two Sienna minivans demonstrating it. The first vehicle dictates the pace and direction, while the second one, equipped with an artillery of sensors, follows obediently.

Impressive.

Realistic for real-world use? Maybe not for the moment, but who knows about in the future. One could easily imagine a square trailer, a box, whatever, being equipped to trail around behind a vehicle.

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This concept raises a few obvious problems, for instance the risks of theft and “hacking”, and the safety risks involved with any autonomous-drive system. But, would it be more risky or less risky than current trailers?

You can be sure we’ll be asking our friendly Toyota representatives all about it at the next Toyota event!

The two Toyota Siennas, linked via software and snesors
The two Toyota Siennas, linked via software and snesors
Photo: YouTube (CarScoops)
Daniel Rufiange
Daniel Rufiange
Automotive expert
  • Over 17 years' experience as an automotive journalist
  • More than 75 test drives in the past year
  • Participation in over 250 new vehicle launches in the presence of the brand's technical specialists