Tokyo 2020: Olympics to showcase futuristic inventions like ‘self-cooling’ wooden stadium, robot greeters and a flying car to light the flame

In a years' time all eyes will be on Japan and the opening ceremony for Tokyo 2020.

Buoyed by bettering Rio's offering four years ago, organisers are planning on pulling out all the stops to wow viewers from around the world tuning in on their TV, mobile phones or tablets.

And it'll be technology, which the East Asian island is most famous for, that'll be at the forefront of their preparations.

That's because plans are afoot to make this Olympics the most futuristic ever.

From flying cars to an earthquake-proof wooden stadium to robotic tour guides, let SunSport tell you what's in store for Tokyo 2020.

FLYING THE FLAME

From the offset, Japan are going to surprise us at the opening ceremony.

While the majority of the plans have been sworn to secrecy, reports suggest that a flying car might make an appearance.

It is believed car giants Toyota are planning on unveiling the compact vehicle, potentially piloted by an athlete, that will deliver the Olympic torch to launch the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

And this isn't a gimmick from Toyota, who are hoping to launch their flying motor to regular punters the same year.

It's just a shame it doesn't look as good as a DeLorean.

DID THE EARTH MOVE FOR YOU?

Japan is a country that's unfortunately susceptible to earthquakes.

But visitors from around the world needn't worry if they're inside one of the Olympic venues and the earth begins to move.

That's because all the arenas, including the Tokyo Aquatics Centre, the Ariake Arena and the New National Stadium are earthquake-proof.

Bridgestone Corporation, renowned for making tires and rubber, have manufactured cutting-edge seismic isolation bearings that have been installed underneath the venues' roofs that'll withstand any earth tremors.

But it's the wooden New National Stadium that'll be the jewel in the crown.

About 90% complete, construction is set to be finished by the end of November before it's officially unveiled on December 21.

The stands will be three-tiered and it will hold 60,000 seats, when it is complete.

In the summer, temperatures in Tokyo can reach up to 31 degrees. But fear not, you won't feel the heat in the New National Stadium.

There are 185 large spot coolers dotted around the stands that distribute cold air towards the field.

On top of that, cool-mist emitters have also been set up around the stands too.

And should disaster strike, the Japanese have you covered. Concourse space on the stadium's second and third floors can be used as shelters.

The stadium has emergency supply storehouses capable of holding enough water and preserved foodstuffs for about 80,000 people.

Plus, there are back-up power supplies that'll function in emergencies, with plugs available for spectators to charge their mobile phones.

Work began on the New National Stadium in 2016, it was designed by architect Kengo Kuma, and it's expected to eventually cost around £1 billion.

ORIGINAL PLANS

Kuma's vision is a scaled-down version of what could've been.

Originally, Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid and her team of designers were tasked with the job.

However, they were booted off the project in July because of spiralling costs.

Hadid's idea would've set Japan back around at least £1.3 billion.

CARTED AROUND

Getting around Tokyo 2020 is going to be key.

So that's why Toyota have been studying ground vehicles used at the past two Olympics.

And they believe they've come up with a helpful travel solution.

Toyota has redesigned the golf cart, or as they call an Accessible People Mover, that's roughly the same size as a van.

200 are planned to be built, with the idea of using them to shuttle around staff, athletes and special needs visitors at the Olympics and Paralympics.

The APM has a range of 62 miles and reach a top speed of 12 mph.

Tokyo also aim to have a national fleet of more than 100 fuel-cell buses in place for the 2020 Olympic Games.

THE ROBOTS ARE COMING

Japan is hoping that robot technology will improve the Games in a number of ways.

The most bonkers display of forward-thinking will be stationed at the Ueno-Okachimachi Station on the Oedo Line in the form of a 6ft female robot called Arisa.

She's on hand to provide directions, locations of the nearest toilets, and info about the surrounding area.

Arisa can also tell you about local attractions and proper underground etiquette, and features a touch screen that riders can press to access even more information.

And lucky enough, she's bilingual too - able to speak Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.

While, inside the New National Stadium there will also be robots on hand to provide assistance to wheelchair users by carrying food and other goods, guiding people to their seats, and providing event information.

The future isn't quite here yet, but come 2020 it will be in Japan.