By Toyota has announced its collaboration with Unity to build the graphical user interface (GUI) for its next-generation in-car Human Machine Interface (HMI), marking a significant step in the automaker’s digital transformation strategy.
Traditionally known for its use in game development, Unity’s real-time 3D engine is now making waves in the automotive industry. By adopting this technology, Toyota aims to modernize how drivers interact with their vehicles while accelerating internal development processes.
The collaboration focuses on Toyota’s “digital cockpit” initiative—a holistic approach to integrating displays, infotainment systems, and driver-assist features into a seamless user experience. The challenge lies not only in design but also in scaling and simplifying development across multiple teams and vehicle models.
Takashi Imai, Chief Project Leader at Toyota’s Digital Software Development Center, highlighted the advantages of the partnership. He noted that the transition to complex 3D graphical systems has presented a steep learning curve for many new engineers. Unity’s toolset, however, has helped lower that barrier, empowering teams to quickly build and refine high-quality interfaces.
According to Imai, the introduction of Unity’s platform has led to significantly improved development efficiency. Engineers can now iterate faster, focus more on user-centric design, and bring more innovation to the in-car environment—all while maintaining stability and visual consistency across systems.
Unity’s Chief Operating Officer, Alex Blum, emphasized the shared vision between the two companies. As vehicle interfaces become more interactive and visually rich, meeting evolving user expectations requires tools that support real-time responsiveness and dynamic design. Unity’s real-time engine provides that foundation, enabling Toyota to craft digital environments that are as functional as they are visually engaging.
This partnership reflects a broader industry trend toward consumer-grade digital experiences inside vehicles. As automotive software continues to play a larger role in brand differentiation, Toyota’s move to embed Unity’s platform into its development workflow puts it in a strong position to deliver next-generation in-car systems that feel intuitive, responsive, and immersive.
With Unity’s support, Toyota is redefining what drivers can expect from their vehicles’ digital systems—paving the way for smarter, more interactive driving experiences in the years to come.