Toyota Concept-i is a touchy-feely look at the autonomous future

Announced today at CES 2017, the Concept-i explores Toyota's vision for how people will interact with the vehicles of the future.

Of course, the car of the future will be an autonomous one, so the Concept-i is designed with some artificial intelligence and technologies that help the car to communicate with humans both within and outside.

The doors pivot vertically when the vehicle's AI senses that the driver is approaching. The exterior surfaces of Concept-i can display messages and visual cues.

The rear of the vehicle can show messages to communicate about upcoming turns or warn about a potential hazard to drivers behind the Concept-i.

The front of the vehicle communicates to pedestrians whether the Concept-i is in automated or manual drive modes.

Inside, Concept-i uses almost no traditional displays, instead communicating with colors and the AI agent -- known as Yui -- which predicts the passengers' needs.

The cabin is a collection of swooping lines, smooth surfaces and integrated lighting.

Toyota envisions a future where drivers build a relationship with Concept-i and its Yui artificial intelligence, totally changing the way we interact with cars.