Toyota is considering the development of a small drone system to assist vehicle operations on unpaved roads and trails, according to a recent filing with the US Federal Aviation Administration.

The Japanese automaker said the system would help drivers gain better situational awareness in areas where it may be unsafe to leave their vehicles.

The proposal suggests the drones would mainly operate near the vehicle, providing views of hazards around and beneath it, and occasionally fly higher to capture wider terrain videos.

Toyota submitted comments on the US Transportation Department’s recent proposal to expand drone use beyond the operator’s line of sight, highlighting its ongoing drone project.

The company has not decided whether it will move forward with implementing the system, and there are currently no product plans.

A Toyota spokesperson said the company is exploring new technologies, but has nothing to announce at this time.

🔗 Source: Reuters

Recent Toyota developments