CES 2017 witnessed an impressive technical demo from Honda — a gravity-defying self-balancing motorcycle the Honda Riding Assist.
This motorcycle deploys a novel technology, which ensures a rider's safety in the best possible way.
Honda At CES 2017
At CES 2017, Honda demonstrated how its novel technology could help motorcycles maintain their balance even at a low speed, which is a tad tricky even for seasoned riders.
Honda's Riding Assist operates on a technology that basically makes tiny adjustments to the bike's front wheel to keep it balanced. Honda is looking forward to applying this amazing technology to keep motorcycles upright.
Honda also intends to modify its user-friendly commuter NC750S, which comes with a Liquid-cooling 4-stroke 8-valve engine having a displacement of 295.276 inches. This enabled the motorcycle to reach a maximum torque of 68.0Nm at 4750 rpm.
Rather than deploy a gyroscope, the company uses Asimo the robot and its robotic stool UNI-CAB for the motorcycle. UNI-CAB is a moving seat that allows the rider to move in any direction, control its speed, and stop just by shifting body weight.
The new motorcycle from Honda may feature a self-driven capability as revealed by Honda spokesperson Sage Marie. Marie also added that this motorcycle may have a self-parking feature.
What Prompted Honda To Create A Self-Balancing Motorcycle?
Motorcycle accidents occur 27 times more when compared to cars according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Lesser availability of safety technology for motorcycles has always been a drawback for the riders. Honda's new technology may pave the way for a new era for motorcycle buffs all over the world.
Self-balancing will provide the riders with the convenience of never having to put down a kickstand. With the Honda Riding Assist, riders will have the comfort and ease to master the twist and turns of the road. This one-of-a-kind motorcycle can keep itself upright, even without a rider.
"This technology was created based on our desire to create a motorcycle that gives people the option of riding with total peace of mind by greatly reducing the possibility of falling over," shared Yoshiyuki Matsumoto, President of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.
Honda has applied its work in robotics across its product areas, for improvements that may attract a broader segment of its customer base.
"Through this open innovation, we believe we can create products of substance that make people even happier," Matsumoto added.
Honda has not disclosed when the Riding Assist motorcycle with eye-popping features will become available.
