Directly from the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 one of the most popular elements: a robot-centaur presented by Yamaha.
Its name is Motobot: it is a concept being tested by the research and development department of the Japanese company. A device capable of driving an unmodified motorbike, currently at a speed of 120km per hour but expected to reach 200km per hour. The first bike 'ridden' by Motobot is a YZF-R1M.
One of the most interesting challenges of this concept is to provide the robot with all the 'sensitivity' necessary to drive a vehicle identical to that available to humans. Motobot must have maximum control of the brakes, handlebars, gearbox, pedals and every element useful for guaranteeing the trajectory and stability of the motorbike.
“Controlling complex movements in a high-speed context requires extreme accuracy. One movement out of place and everything falls apart,” they explain at Yamaha.
What is it for?
This is the question that may arise spontaneously upon seeing this mechanical 'subject' driving a two-wheeled racing car. Beyond the fascinating challenge, it is clear that there are short, medium and long-term objectives for a research field like this: first and foremost the improvement of safety and support systems for human drivers. Secondly, the development of motorcycles capable of driving autonomously, a bit like cars. Finally, later on, the experimentation of new and different uses.
Motorway patrols of electronic “Chips”? Robotic Pony Expresses? Who can say.
In any case, Valentino Rossi is warned: this mechanical thing (whose appearance reminds me of that of Neil Blomkamp's film, “Humandroid”) won't break down much.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4asCK8yamb0