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Meet Assist-e Honda's Self-Balancing Motorcycle
OK, easy riders, now that you're aging, perhaps you'd like a motorcycle that balances itself AND follows you around like a puppy? Well, maybe not, but check out the Honda Assist-e self-balancing cycle.
(Honda's Assist-e self-balancing motorcycle)
Honda’s self-balancing technology, which apparently is derived from its ASIMO robot and its self-balancing scooter called the UNI-CUB, only operates at very low speeds. At higher speeds, you would want to be able to lean the bike into the turns and any self-balancing technologies are no longer needed unless it would aid in crash prevention. Honda Riding Assist technology does not use traditional gyroscopes for its self-balance since they tend to add a lot of weight. Instead, Honda’s system uses minute steering movements to balance the motorbike.
(Honda's Assist-e self-balancing motorcycle)
Science fiction fans may remember the smart bike in Bruce Sterlings 1998 novel Distraction, which he describes as having onboard steering and balance systems.
BTW, you'll love this real-world precursor to the Honda Assist-e; allow me to present the Ghostrider Robot (2004).
Via electrek.
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