Toyota cars' wiper data to help improve rain forecasts english.kyodonews.net

KYODO NEWS - 5 hours ago - 13:50 | All, JapanToyota Motor Corp. and weather information provider Weathernews Inc. have started tests to improve the accuracy of rain forecasts by using real-time data from the operation of connected cars' windshield wipers.
[Getty/Kyodo]The companies assume that wiper operations correspond to the presence or absence of precipitation, and that wiper speed indicates downpour strength.
Toyota, Japan's biggest automaker by volume, said it hopes to provide drivers with detailed weather information in real time to enhance their safety.
Providing weather information is one of the in-vehicle connected services on which Toyota has been focusing.
A connected car allows drivers to get real-time vehicle data and information about restaurants, hospitals and other data they may want.