A Conversation Among Wheelchair Users and Development Manager

The “Honda TECHMATIC SYSTEM” (hereafter referred to as Techmatic) is a driving assistance device designed for individuals with physical disabilities.

Since its introduction in the first-generation CIVIC in 1976, it has been developed and produced as a genuine Honda accessory, supporting the desire to drive by oneself for many years.

This time, we contemplate the future of cars through a discussion with the development leader during a test drive event, which invited a Techmatic user and associates of Honda Sun Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary of Honda.

Driving Assistance Device "Honda TECHMATIC SYSTEM"

――What is Techmatic?

Inoue: In special-needs vehicles, there are nursing care type vehicles used for transporting individuals with physical disabilities or elderly people, and self-operating type vehicles equipped with assistance devices for individuals with physical disabilities to drive themselves. Techmatic is a self-operation type.

――What is your passion as you work on the development of Techmatic?

Inoue: In the process of developing the Techmatic, as I deepened my understanding of people with disabilities, special-needs vehicles, I came to realize, “This is something that truly helps people!  I’ll do this!” and my motivation surged, and I now consider this development to be my mission.

The purpose behind this test drive event

Inoue: In the past user interviews conducted so far, a gap was often felt between the intended value to provide from the development side and the perspectives of the users.

We created this opportunity to directly hear more real voices than usual, beyond those typically encountered in regular car discussions.

Representing Honda Sun Co., Ltd., a special subsidiary established under the principle of "promoting the social independence of people with disabilities through Honda's manufacturing", we invited Mr. Moritaka and Mr. Kawazoe.

As well as Ms. Matsuda, Japan's foremost Techmatic user who has owned a 2nd and 4th generation FIT (product name in Japan) and has driven a total of 260,000 kilometers, to participate.

――Please share your impressions after the test drive.

Ms. Matsuda: Since I have a low sitting height, I end up gripping the grip from slightly below compared to others.

In such cases, I hope there won't be any buttons that are difficult to reach, and I hope there won’t be such concerns in the future.

Mr. Moritaka: One thing that wheelchair users who drive with assistance devices often talk about is that they want the devices to be as simple and inconspicuous as possible.

However, I thought it would be nice if there were car choices where people think, “I'll buy a Honda because this assistance device is the coolest”, even if that is based on having the Techmatic.

Mr. Kawazoe: The option to change the grip material or select optional devices, allowing customization to suit one's driving style would be enjoyable.

Regarding the environment that surrounds Techmatic

Inoue: There are approximately 1.23 million people nationwide with lower limb disabilities in Japan.

Of these, there are about 200,000 people have driver's licenses, with approximately 60,000 actually drive*.

We hope that by providing assistance devices that cooperate with advanced safety equipment already installed in cars, this will serve as a catalyst for people, including their families, to make the choice with peace of mind.

*Researched by Honda

Ms. Matsuda: "People in wheelchairs can drive", I think there are many people who are not aware of this fact.

Many people are surprised when they see me taking the wheelchair (stored in the passenger seat) out of the car through the driver's side door and trying to sit in it from the driver's seat, leaving the impression that societal awareness is still very low.

Inoue: One of my current dreams is to make the Techmatic into a mainstream presence.

Through using the latest manufacturing techniques and materials to create high-quality products and increasing the number of users, properly commercializing this within the involved companies, development will accelerate. 

This aligns with Honda's fundamental principle of "Three Joys."*

* Together achieving the joy of buying, the joy of selling, and the joy of creating, and further enhancing joy by meeting society's expectations.

――What kind of presence is Techmatic?

Ms. Matsuda: Since I can remember, I have always been in a wheelchair, so I've always needed help to get around. 

When I finally got a car, I was ecstatic, thinking, for the first time, "I can drive and take someone wherever they want to go! I can be useful to others too!"

By driving, I gained confidence and able to freely go wherever I wanted to go.  It truly felt like I had grown wings.

Mr. Kawazoe: Being able to drive opens up so many possibilities and enhances the freedom and independence in daily life.

Mr. Moritaka: Lately, I’m feeling the joy of traveling, thinking, checking the exteriors of destinations and the availability of wheelchair-accessible parking spaces using Street View or Google Earth's aerial photos is also part of the pleasure of driving a car.

The future of Techmatic?

Ms. Matsuda: It could serve as a supportive tool for our rapidly aging society.

It would be great if a future came where people could have an option for driving and say, “Do you drive with pedals? I use grips!”.

Inoue: Being Involved in the development of Techmatic, I've come to realize that “people worldwide” should naturally include those who have physical disabilities but still want to drive.

It is our responsibility to create a system to make that possible.

We hope that Techmatic will be a system that effectively utilizes the equipment and controls available at the time adapting to changing times and we aim to deploy across many Honda vehicles, making it an assistance device that everyone can use conveniently.