Yamaha, a multinational conglomerate based in Japan, has known offerings in various industries, from musical instruments to sports equipment. One of the more prominent ones is its motorcycle line that brushes shoulders with other known motorcycle brands. However, in recent days, Yamaha set itself apart from the rest of the pack, in a really weird way.
At the 44th Tokyo Motor Show, Yamaha showcased a wide variety of production motorcycles — a commemorative model of the YZR-M1, an electrically power-assisted bicycle and special exhibit for the YXZ1000R, and a recreational off-highway vehicle (ROV) that will be produced for clients outside Japan. But the star of the show was the MOTOBOT Ver.1, a humanoid robot that can ride and drive a motorcycle.
The technology exhibit for the MOTOBOT is meant to showcase both Yamaha's motorcycle prowess and its robotic technology. According to Yahama's booth info, the motorcycle-riding robot is on queue for research and development with an aim of having it ride through a racetrack at speeds that exceed 200 km/h, or roughly over 124 mph.
"The task of controlling the complex motions of a motorcycle at high speeds requires a variety of control systems that must function with a high degree of accuracy," said Yamaha.
The Japan-based corporation aims to use the "fundamental technology and know-how gained" in its further development of the MOTOBOT and apply them to further rider support and safety systems that it implements with its product line. Moreover, Yahama also hopes to open new doors for business with its pursuit of a better motorcycle-riding robot.
While it seems useless, the MOTOBOT is actually Yamaha's new crash test dummy, which is such a shame for such a sleek-looking robot. And although futuristic, the MOTOBOT brings to mind "The Terminator," "Street Hawk," "Daemon" and other movies that remind us of robots taking over the world.
Still, it's these weird, almost useless but really cool-looking things that make people wish they live in Japan. Enjoy the glorious two-minute video of the MOTOBOT.
