Yamaha has developed an autonomous, motorbike-riding humanoid robot
called Motobot, which it claims will eventually be able to ride an
unmodified motorbike on a racetrack at more than 200kmph.
Unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in Japan, Motobot is built around a fusion of Yamaha's motorcycle and robotics technology.
In a video produced by Yamaha, the Motobot is seen tapping the clutch, twisting the throttle and cruising around an abandoned airfield.
"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. "We want to apply the fundamental technology and know-how gained in the
process of this challenge to the creation of advanced rider safety and
rider-support systems and put them to use in our current businesses, as
well as using them to pioneer new lines of business."
It seems the 'early morning run to work' motorcyclist has been robotised! Lol... The robot is basically us when we have to be 'automatic' on a bike, but we have more awareness (still) of our surroundings naturally...interesting project, wonder where it is heading?