SHERIDAN, WYOMING – July 28, 2025 – In a world racing to build the future with tech and automation, Woven City is taking a different route—by putting people first. As Toyota’s ambitious “living laboratory” prepares to open its doors in Susono City this fall, the focus is surprisingly human: not gadgets or robots, but the people who will call this place home. They’re known as “Weavers,” and they’re more than just residents—they’re the beating heart of this visionary community.
A Future City Where People Come First
At first glance, Woven City may sound like a tech utopia—an experimental town where smart homes, autonomous mobility, and sustainable systems seamlessly intertwine. But spend time with the Woven by Toyota (WbyT) team, and a new theme emerges: belonging.
From whimsical “picnic-style” info sessions with snacks and notepads on the lawn to a recruitment website that speaks to values, not just logistics, everything about Woven City signals a shift in how future communities can be built—with empathy, collaboration, and everyday life in mind.
Why Woven City Isn’t Just Another Smart City
While traditional smart cities often showcase technology as the star of the show, Woven City flips the script. Here, tech plays a supporting role to human experience. It’s the Weavers—the people living day-to-day in this environment—who shape the city’s evolution by providing real-world insights into what actually works.
According to Risako Kusu, who helped shape the recruitment process, “Even if we have Inventors eager to create things, they cannot achieve this without Weavers—the city can’t exist without Weavers, that’s how important they are.”
In Woven City, “Inventors” (the technologists and developers) and “Weavers” (the residents) are equally vital. One tests; the other lives. The result? Innovations that actually fit real life.
What It's Like to Become a Weaver
Becoming a Weaver isn’t like signing a lease in an ordinary neighborhood. Applicants go through a thoughtful selection process that considers:
- Personal alignment with Woven City’s purpose of enhancing “well-being for all”
- Availability of rooms and community needs
- Participation in ongoing “living laboratory” trials
Rather than focusing on income brackets or demographics, Woven City looks for people ready to co-create the future—not just consume it.
From Application to Arrival: A Seamless Human-Centered Journey
The WbyT team is heavily involved in making the journey smooth for future residents, from answering questions to organizing friendly onboarding events. These gatherings resemble a creative fusion of TED Talk, picnic, and design thinking workshop—inviting curiosity, not conformity.
Even the venue for the recent session—Toyota’s Fuji Susono Technical Center—transformed from a traditional briefing hall into a cozy, welcoming hub where curiosity felt safe.
Mini Comparison: How Woven City Stands Out from Typical Smart Developments
- Resident Role: Instead of passive users, Woven City invites Weavers to become active co-creators of their surroundings.
- Innovation Style: Feedback from everyday life takes priority over top-down tech deployment.
- Community Focus: Emotional well-being, shared values, and human connection are key design principles.
- Selection Criteria: Residents are chosen based on lifestyle fit and willingness to engage, not just economic profiles.
Why This Matters for Everyday Consumers
While most of us won’t be moving into Woven City tomorrow, its ethos signals a larger cultural shift: the future of living isn’t just about smarter cities—it’s about kinder, more livable ones. Whether you're dreaming of an eco-home, more mindful commuting, or a connected community that actually feels like home, Woven City is hinting at what’s possible when humans—not machines—set the tone.
Looking Ahead: Fall 2025 and Beyond
This fall marks the arrival of Woven City’s first official residents, while broader public participation is set to roll out in the next fiscal year. As more Weavers settle in, their real-life feedback will fuel continuous improvements—not only to tech, but to how we live together in an increasingly connected world.
Want to follow their journey—or maybe become a Weaver yourself someday? Learn more at https://woven-city.global