With an assist from autonomous technology
We know what you’re thinking. Autonomous motorcycles? Might as well just hop on a ride at the amusement park.
For most people on the road, the point is to go from A to B. The driving experience is just par for the course. For motorcycle riders, the point is to enjoy the experience of going from A to B while out on your ride. It seems so counterintuitive to ride an autonomous motorcycle. But that doesn’t mean riders shouldn’t benefit from a few motorcycle innovations in autonomous technology.
The current state of autonomous vehicles
Auto manufacturers have been at it for decades. From park assist, lane departure warnings and correction, to flirting with full-on self-driving vehicles, technology has evolved, and we’re on the cusp of a future where more vehicles will be driven by sensors, cameras, and Artificial Intelligence than by drivers. Giving up control on the road can feel unsettling but considering the amount of incidents caused by human error, the roads should be theoretically safer with the adoption of self-driving vehicles for both drivers and motorcyclists.
What it means for motorcycles and riders
Autonomous motorcycles don’t make sense. The motorcycle experience is all about the whole-body/machine relationship between the rider, engine, wheels, parts, and the road. Though with autonomous motorcycle tech, riders can rely on some comfort and safety features like cruise control and Inertial Measurement Units that can detect situations that could lead to a crash. Cameras, AI systems, radar, and built-in traffic avoidance systems can alert riders to potential dangers on the road. In addition, several motorcycle manufacturers are researching and developing self-balancing technology, allowing riders to focus more on gear-shifting and turning while out on their bike. It’ll certainly help new riders…and experienced riders who happen to be in the mood for a more “chill” time on the open road.
The importance of connection when you ride
There’s a certain inevitability of autonomous vehicles populating the streets. Though fully autonomous motorcycles aren’t on that horizon, self-driving cars will need to recognize motorcycles two-wheel rides on the roads. Motorcycles will need to be connected to this autonomous universe. In fact, some autonomous vehicle testing is being done with cars and self-driving scooters to help AI recognize and adapt to the nature and behaviours of motorcycles.
Where we go from here as motorcycle riders
It may seem that AI will decide where we go from here, but for motorcycle riders, they’ll still have the freedom, joy, love, and excitement that comes from hitting the open road while motorcycle riding. Connected to the technology of tomorrow, riders will still have the liberty of riding their own bike machine. You can stay up to date with all the latest news on motorcycles and autonomous vehicles to see how the industry continues to evolve.