New generation Rider Assist Technology systems promise partial autonomy. In patents recently filed by Honda, the system described combines cameras, radar and LIDAR, the information collected by these devices is processed by a series of computer modules and can determine the intervention on elements such as the accelerator, the brakes or steering.
The idea of an autopilot system on a motorcycle might be anathema to many, but the same technology that allows a growing number of modern cars to automatically turn, accelerate and brake appears to be becoming more adaptable. more on two wheels in the near future.
Systems developed for decades to apply to the car are reaching the world of two wheels. Radars and cameras are already present in many models. In the same way, autonomous driving which already applies to cars, not yet approved for general use but already very real, should reach motorcycles in the medium term.
However, due to the complexity of driving a motorcycle, it would be more appropriate to talk about semi-autonomous driving. That is to say, being able to count on a large number of components and driving aids capable of helping the driver when driving, especially on long journeys or highway journeys.
So, for example, since 2017, Honda has developed several concepts, such as Riding Assist and Riding Assist-e. Thanks to them, the motorcycle remains balanced by itself when it is stationary. In 2020, the Japanese brand patented a system for automatic acceleration and braking and steering assistance. And a few months ago, we discovered a new study that combines cameras and radars that monitor the motorcycle and driver's surroundings. With systems like lane keeping, among others.
Honda's latest patent for Transcend brings together all those developed in a single "electronic brain". Thus, we can observe a motorcycle equipped with cameras, radar, GPS, vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems and, basically, a LiDAR sensor. This is essential because it creates a 3D image of everything surrounding the motorcycle and its occupant.
But it seems that work is underway on a kind of power steering, in combination with the control unit, capable of reacting to stimuli thanks to the sensors distributed throughout the motorcycle, in order to avoid an object or danger.
However, at this stage, it remains complex: an emergency stop could cause a distracted driver to fall at that moment. Although for every problem there are solutions, as could be the automatic braking system based on the driver's attention already patented by Harley-Davidson.
Of course, there is still a long way to go, but we can say that, for certain models and segments, looking to the future, Honda is moving towards autonomous driving.
