- Nissan has created smart slippers to drive onto the feet of hotel guests in Japan
- The product is using the automaker’s ProPilot Park technology to move around
- The self-parking slippers are meant to raise awareness of autonomous vehicles
In Japan, where old traditions are constantly being updated with new technology, one inn is making use of automated driving technology to offer the latest in hands-free hospitality – self-driving slippers.
Nissan has developed a system for slippers to ‘park’ themselves at the entrance of the traditional inn at the push of a button, ready for guests to use upon arrival.
Each slipper is equipped with two tiny wheels, a motor and sensors to ‘drive’ across the wooden lobby floor using Nissan’s ProPilot Park technology.
Slippers that move onto your feet using Nissan’s ProPilot Park technology, pictured, will be available at a Japanese hotel this March
Nissan is said to already use this technology in the latest version of its all-battery electric Leaf vehicle.
High-tech sensors and cameras allow the car to locate and back into parking spots without any driver input.
Each slipper is equipped with two tiny wheels, a motor and sensors that allow it to ‘drive’ across the wooden lobby floor and into designated spots, pictured
Using it’s ProPilot Park technology the slippers are able to ‘park’ themselves at the entrance of the inn with just a push of a button, pictured
Floor cushions, pictured, and traditional low tables also have the technology integrated and will be able to wheel themselves into place like the slippers
A simplified version of the technology has been installed at the ‘ProPilot Park Ryokan’ inn, which is located around 47 miles southwest of Tokyo and famed for its view of Mount Fuji.
Selected guests will be able to experience the technology in March where it is also hoped to reduce staff load.
A Nissan spokesman, Nick Maxfield, said: ‘The self-parking slippers are meant to raise awareness of automated driving technologies, and their potential, non-driving applications.’
Floor cushions and traditional low tables also have the technology integrated and will be able to wheel themselves into place like the slippers.
Nissan plans to bring a car that can drive itself on city streets by 2020.
In 2016 the automaker produced self-driving office chairs that were able to neatly roll back into their places when not being used.