We were one of the first to report on Kawasaki’s work to develop communication between rider and motorcycle incorporating artificial intelligence (“AI”). That report was based on Japanese language press material and, as a result, some aspects of the communication were ambiguous, at best. Here is a press release on the same topic released by the U.S. division of Kawasaki in English that more clearly describes the prospective use of AI in future motorcycles:
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) is moving forward with plans to develop next-generation motorcycles that can grow along with the rider. The motorcycles will make use of ICT (Information and Communications Technology), including AI (Artificial Intelligence), to achieve this goal.
The motorcycles being developed will use the Emotion Generation Engine and Natural Language Dialogue System*1. The concept of this system would involve the rider being able to talk with the AI-controlled system. This communication between rider and motorcycle will open the door to a new world of unprecedented riding experiences.
Accessing Kawasaki’s bank of analytical chassis and performance data, the system will be able to offer the rider pertinent hints for enhanced riding enjoyment, or relay information as the situation dictates. Through advanced electronic management technology, having the system update machine settings based on the rider’s experience, skill and riding style will also be possible.
This conceptualized system intends to allow a relationship with the rider and motorcycle. The more the rider and motorcycle interact, the stronger the bond, and this communication will allow the motorcycle to develop a unique personality reflecting the individual idiosyncrasies of the rider. This system is intended to give the rider an all-new kind of enjoyment.
Kawasaki motorcycles are products of RIDEOLOGY*2, its original rider-centric development philosophy.
Kawasaki believes that motorcycles are more than simple tools for getting from one place to another; they should be fun and rewarding for the rider. To take this idea to the next level, Kawasaki has begun working on the new motorcycles that, through the use of AI, will possess new capabilities.
In order to deliver exciting motorcycles that are fun and rewarding to ride, Kawasaki will continue to take full advantage of the vast experience and combined technological resources of the KHI Group as it explores novel approaches in the development of new products and technologies.
*1 A form of artificial intelligence that enables man and machine to communicate with technology capable of recognising emotion by the sound of the speaker’s voice. Platform currently being developed by cocoro SB Corp., a member of the SoftBank Group.
*2 Kawasaki’s rider-centric development philosophy, RIDEOLOGY, is a commitment to pursue all possibilities to ensure that its products are fun and rewarding to ride.
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Lot of negativity in here, were ya’ll against cell phones too?
I’ll tell you what… There are a lot of things I absolutely hate about my “smart” phone, and would just as soon not have the same issues associated with my motorcycle…
My motorcycles have been talking to me for the past 50 years. That’s why I quit riding sport bikes, because they’d continuously say things like “Let’s go faster!” and “turn me loose!”. I switched to a BMW GS, but then the hooligan voices started in, daring me to ride recklessly. I now have a 1971 Honda Trail 90 that warns me to “take it easy”.
Exactly what I needed at this point, lol.
I get it. In a sexy sultry female voice the bike says ” you ride me like a stallion, driving me wild with desire and you are as fast as Vale! Can;t wait till we get home.
One of the main reasons I ride is to CLEAR my head. Last thing I need is Siri talking to me while I’m riding. I don’t listen to music or let my phone interrupt my ride. I can get along without Siri! Unless of course she changes her mind regarding sex. When I asked her about sex, she told me she wasn’t that kind of girl.
I don’t understand what so important thing am I missing right now that I can’t talk with my motorcycle? What will it improve? What needs improving? I enjoy my bikes already and they get me to work and back home, no problem – regardless of how dumb they are.
I like this about as much as I like rap music. Kids will probably love it. Their whole world is artificial.
Memo: To all motorcycle manufacturers.
Subject: Artificial intelligence for motorcycles.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Sometimes less is more.
If you believe they put a bike moon, bike on the moon
If you believe there’s nothing up it’s sleeve, then nothing is cool
Your cement shoes are affecting your ability to express yourself!
You’re right Grover you caught the fly in my soup and I messed up the spoof, oh well. Anyway, AI seems self-defeating to me. Even though they’re green, I don’t want a chameleon Kawi playing with my mind thank you very much.
Mr. Jimmihaffa’s gone wrestling…
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah…
This is why we can’t have nice things.
I would rather have AI than the MotoGP winglets.
Actually, to follow through on the thought process, even though KHI doesn’t compete in MotoGP one has to think that this technology will filter over through another manufacturer. Now IIRC the team and rider cannot communicate directly except via the lap board. So how long will it be before teams figure out a way to send data to the bike via this tech such that they can relay important information/instructions like “Weather radar is looking bad, so-and-so has already pitted to change to rain tires, you should do so on next lap” and such that currently the rider just has to judge and decide on their own?
One thing I really love about motorcycling is that it gets me away from the internet.
“Open the petcock Hal……..open the petcock Hal!” “I’m sorry Dave, I can’t do that”
Gosh, this could be fun!
re: “Here is a press release on the same topic released by the U.S. division of Kawasaki in English that more clearly describes the prospective use of AI in future motorcycles”
take notes BMW AG you “serial offender” of piss poor translations you.
I wonder if Kawasaki saw the video of a Jeep’s brakes, steering, and accelerator being remotely controlled via the internet, while someone drove the Jeep on the freeway. A guy hacked the Jeep CPU.
Just say No, to direct connections too the internet… where there is a connection, there is vulnerability to be hacked. Stick to flash updates that can be verified and controlled (like a flash upgrade of a Power Commander, or other fuel controller). Did you see the stories of hackers getting into cars and suvs by going through their internet connection?
I prefer to be smarter than my vehicles. If I wanted a self driving car, I will take a taxi. If they want to do voice control to make setting changes to the bike, that might be nice. Just don’t go live to the Net…
re: “Just don’t go live to the Net”
for the love o’ God just don’t go live to SKYNET…!!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Wlsd9mljiU
“artificial intelligence that enables man and machine to communicate with technology capable of recognising emotion by the sound of the speaker’s voice.” My motorcycle is the only one that understands me anymore…
A few late night sessions in the garage I’d guess?
I thought it was too much beer and old girl friends that made me hear voices, now your telling me my bike’s talking to me? In the dead of winter, I’ll sit on my bike in a heated shop and make motor noises. Now my bike will tell everyone how nuts I am.
I’ve been riding since I was 11. I’m 68 right now. My regular ride is a 2001 Kawasaki ZRX1200R. I have an older Kawasaki H2. Yes! I don’t ride it. Too scary. Lousy brakes, frightful handling but an absolute riot of a motor. But slow, loud and shaky. I’m waiting for Kawasaki to come out with a three cylinder 4 stroke like the Yamaha.
Bikes are better than they have ever been and so nice to ride. Really. Knowing they will go where you point them is the key. They are better than ever. Tires are the number one thing on a bike. Tires and brakes are the keys to enjoying the speeds possible now days so easely. But this idea here of communication with the bike. Very Exciting. I’m sure that that more you can put into it, the more you can get out. Plus, think of it. Your bike will KNOW where the next Dairy Queen is !!
Exciting I’m telling you !!! EXCITING !!!
I got a fever, and the only cure is more stripes on my Super Bike graphics package…NOT!
I always wanted to be Knight-Rider.
So, like Knight Rider? Beasty: I’m gonna die!!!
Bike: Would like me to notify your heirs and assigns?