The Consumer Electronics Show is one of the best platforms to showcase development in automotive technology including autonomous driving and BMW Motorrad also showcased a self-riding R 1200 GS at the event and wowing enthusiasts along. This is not the first time that BMW showcased a self-riding two-wheeler. The company had earlier showcased a self-driving C1 scooter. The self-riding BMW R 1200 GS is able to start, accelerate, perform cornering manoeuvres, slow down, and come to a stop - all by itself. It even drops the side stand when it comes to a standstill. BMW says that the data gleaned from this project will help it better understand riding dynamics and help the rider to recognise dangerous situations and assist in executing difficult manoeuvres as well.
(The self-riding bike uses a number of tech such as gyroscopes, cameras, radar etc)Although BMW Motorrad has not exactly revealed the core technology behind this, one can make an educated guess and figure out that the motorcycle uses gyroscopes, radars, multiple cameras and other technology working in tandem. BMW also says that this project will help the company develop various rider assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, vehicle-to-vehicle communication and other regular systems such as ABS and traction control.
(BMW will use the data from this project to develop rider assist technologies)
Autonomous cars are one thing! But seeing a two-wheeled vehicle doing all things it should, except that there is no one riding it at all. It does look a little creepy but then, developing such technologies is an integral part of going forward and BMW Motorrad sure is doing it right!
