Directly from the Tokyo Motor Show 2015 one of the most popular elements: a robot-centaur presented by Yamaha.
His name is Motobot: it is a concept in phase of tests by the research and development department of the Japanese company. A device capable of driving an unmodified motorbike, for now at a speed of 120km per hour but in predicate of reaching 200 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 the best control of brakes, handlebars, gearbox, pedals and all useful element to guarantee trajectory and stability of the motorbike.
“Controlling complex movements in a high-speed context requires extreme accuracy. A movement out of place and all it falls apart”, they explain to 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 objectives in the short, medium and long term for a research field like this: first of all the improvement of safety and support systems for human drivers. Secondly, the development of motorcycles capable of driving autonomously, a bit like cars. Finally, further on, the experimenting with new ones 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.
