Toyota has shared some of its biggest inventions with the world outside of the automobile industry. Wake Forrest University, for example, is using Toyota's T.H.U.M.S. software to study the damaging effects of hits and tackles on football players. Their goals: to understand how to better treat injured players and develop safer helmets. NASCAR previously used the same technology to improve the structure of seats and revise their 2010 rule book.

Less obvious examples of Toyota sharing their insights and innovation include the Japanese automaker's work with Allegheny Hospital and Yellowstone National Park. Allegheny Hospital…