What’s the Purpose of Having Two Steering Wheels in This Self-Driving Lexus?

The main purpose of a self-driving vehicle is to take the driving responsibilities away from the occupants. However, Toyota’s latest autonomous model includes a steering wheel rather than eliminating it.

The model in question is the Lexus LS 600hL, which James Kuffner, chief technology officer at the Toyota Research Institute, describes as “the most perceptive car in the world,” as reported by The Verge. This heightened perception is made possible through advanced technologies such as LIDAR, radar, and various cameras that monitor the road, surrounding environment, and even the driver.

TRI is employing an undisclosed number of these prototypes to explore two distinct autonomous driving systems. Designated as Chauffeur and Guardian, these systems represent Level 4 and Level 5 autonomy, respectively. Level 4 autonomy restricts the vehicle to pre-mapped areas, while Level 5 offers complete automation for any environment.

One of the more intriguing features of this Lexus is its dual steering wheels. The left one is for traditional driving, while the right one allows the car to operate itself with no one at the wheel. This design seemingly offers the flexibility to occupy the opposite side of the vehicle. A human operator must always be present in the car for emergency situations, and this Lexus accommodates that from either side, for reasons that remain unclear.

However, the eccentricities don’t stop there with this autonomous Lexus. Its appearance resembles that of experimental autonomous vehicles from a decade ago, with sensors and cameras conspicuously placed throughout, lacking the sleek appearance of current testing models like the Waymo Chrysler Pacifica or the more understated Ford Fusion. While every experimental self-driving car has its quirks—take the Cruise Automation Chevy Bolt, for instance, which features a goalpost-like structure atop its roof—this Lexus seems to have been assembled in a rather haphazard manner, suggesting a rush to demonstrate progress in self-driving technology.

Toyota faces a challenge in keeping pace with advancements in autonomy. One can only hope that this unconventional-looking Lexus helps propel the brand forward in this competitive field.