Engineers at the Toyota Higashi-Fuji Technical Center in Susono City have developed a specialized apparatus designed to rapidly remove standing water from proving grounds. The mechanism substantially reduces operational downtime for vehicle testing following rain events.

The development was prompted by requirement specifications for evaluating automatic emergency braking systems, which demand completely dry road surfaces. Because the testing facility is shared across multiple company divisions, weather-related delays routinely forced staff to work overtime and on weekends.

In designing the system, engineers drew inspiration from moisture-mitigation techniques used on baseball fields. Although alternatives such as heat cannons, pavement heaters, industrial vacuums, and squeegees were evaluated, the team ultimately selected a more cost-effective and straightforward mechanical approach.

The apparatus consists of a two-meter sponge roller capable of drying a 3,5-meter-wide swath in a single two-way pass. Moisture is collected in a modified 320-liter aluminum housing, with the roller constructed from repurposed protective packaging waste. To minimize surface abrasion, the system automatically elevates the sponge assembly whenever the towing vehicle executes turns.

Following implementation, track drying times were reduced from four hours to two hours in winter, and down to 1–1,5 hours during summer conditions. Toyota estimates that the tool saves approximately 91 working hours annually, with current utilization averaging once or twice per month.