There is an upside and a downside to this kind of thing. On one hand, I am all for private cities as an alternative to states. On the other hand, many of these could end up being modern versions of feudal fiefdoms or company towns during the industrial revolution. I would prefer the presence of anarcho-syndicalist-like organizations within the context of private cities in order to keep business or oligarchical power at bay. And, of course, there can be socialist/communist private cities or intentional communities as well.

By Katie Warren, Insider

Toyota Motor Corporation started construction this week on a 175-acre smart city at the base of Japan’s Mount Fuji, about 62 miles from Tokyo, the company announced Tuesday.

The city, which Toyota has dubbed the “Woven City,” is expected to function as a testing ground for technologies like robotics, smart homes, and artificial intelligence. A starting population of about 360 inventors, senior citizens, and families with young children will test and develop these technologies.

These residents, who are expected to move into the Woven City within five years, will live in smart homes with in-home robotics systems to assist with daily living and sensor-based artificial intelligence to monitor health and take care of other basic needs, according to the company.

The eventual plan is for the city to house a population of more than 2,000 Toyota employees and their families, retired couples, retailers, and scientists. Toyota announced plans for the city last year at CES, the tech trade show in Las Vegas.

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