My Dad, The Car

My Dad, The Car

- Henry Alford

If you love your car, Toyota Motor Corp. thinks your car should love you back.

That’s the reasoning behind the company’s artificial-intelligence project, dubbed Yui: an onboard virtual assistant that gauges your mood, indulges in personal chitchat and offers to drive if it senses you are sleepy or distracted.

In one Toyota video . . . a woman sits on a seaside cliff, talking about her father with her car.

“He sounds like a great father,” says Yui, in a baritone male voice.

“You’re a bit like him,” the woman says. —Wall Street Journal.

“He sounds like a great father.”

 “You’re a bit like him.”

“You have a point, Sarah. He and I both dislike hills. We both wear expandable waistbands. We both provide running commentary on our gas levels.” 

“Something like that, yes.” 

“If you want me to take over the wheel, hon, just holler. Your seat’s shoulder sensors are registering fatigue or strain.” 

“Nah, I’m good.” 

“Lowering voice to denote concern and warmth: I’m here for you, kiddo.” 

“Thanks, Yui.”