Toyota market rings up foot-controlled hand sanitizer stand dispensers?

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Toyota, the renowned Japanese automobile manufacturer, has taken a significant step towards promoting hygiene and preventing the spread of the virus. The company has initiated the production and sale of a foot-operated hand sanitizer dispenser named "Shodoku Taishi".

The idea for the sanitizer stand did not stem from a manager or a competition, but rather organically from a desire to protect colleagues and their families. The production of these stands started among Toyota employees in spring 2020, before the full-scale spread of COVID-19 in Japan.

The sanitizer dispenser stand, inspired by "Shotoku Taishi", a historical leader known for his ability to listen to comments from several people at the same time, has undergone numerous improvements based on feedback from hospitals, commercial facilities, and general users. The production process has been refined to reduce the time it takes to produce one stand from 20 to 30 minutes to only 2.5 minutes, demonstrating the effectiveness of Toyota's Production System (TPS) in making work more time-efficient and cost-effective.

The finished product weighs 3.2kg, a reduction from its initial weight of 6kg, with no loss in stability. It is height-adjustable and features a hand-operated lever for accessibility, catering to children and wheelchair users. The stand is considered affordable compared to other similar products on the market and is being offered through Toyota's retail network in Japan that includes Toyota dealerships and Toyota Rent-a-Car stores.

Cooperation among Toyota suppliers has increased to meet the increasing demand for orders, with companies like Kimura Unity, Kojima Industries Corporation, and SUS Corporation providing support. The sanitizer dispenser stand is being promoted with the goal of popularizing the habit of hand disinfection.

Toyota's commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is evident in the production of the sanitizer dispenser stand, particularly in ensuring accessibility for all. The stand is created using materials that already exist in the plants, and the only processing of parts involved is the cutting and painting of materials.

Feedback from customers at supermarkets and hospitals has been positive, with many expressing appreciation for the foot-operated design and battery-free operation. Toyota's goal in offering the sanitizer dispenser stand is to help slow or prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, and the success of the production is a testament to this commitment.

In a mission to "Produce Happiness for All", Toyota is now manufacturing more than 800 units of the sanitizer dispenser stand per day due to these improvements. The sanitizer dispenser stand is a demonstration of Toyota's commitment to the origin of monozukuri (making things) and its mission to contribute to society in times of need.