BMW tests autonomous bike

By Réhann Coetzee

BMW Motorrad’s first autonomous motorbike was recently presented at their 2018 BMW Motorrad Techday.

BMW R1200 GS rides around a track – by itself

A BMW R 1200 GS made its solo rounds in front of assembled journalists at the BMW Group testing ground in Miramas, in the south of France.

Developed by graduate engineer Stefan Hans and his team, the motorcycle independently drives off, accelerates, circles a winding test track and independently slows down to a stop.

But BMW says it is not aiming for a completely independent motorbike. Rather, the technology should serve as a platform for development of future systems and functions to make motorcycling safer, more comfortable and to increase riding pleasure. The aim of the prototype is to gather additional knowledge with regards to driving dynamics in order to detect dangerous situations early and thus support the driver with appropriate safety systems, for instance when turning at intersections or when braking suddenly.

In addition to this impressive outlook on increased riding pleasure and safety, BMW Motorrad also showed other exciting technology projects. Luminous motorcycle headlights – from cornering lights to laser headlights – were highlights, as well as a motorcycle frame manufactured completely using a 3D-printing process – including a rear swingarm.

BMW says this manufacturing process has already made its way into series production for various vehicles. The advantage of 3D printing lies in the complete freedom of designing components that could not be produced in other ways.

They further say the innovative processes used in the production of motorcycle chassis components, such as the frame, swingarm and wheels are made from the lightweight, yet high-strength material carbon – that is already used in the BMW HP4 RACE – further demonstrate BMW Motorrad’s technical competence and excellence in this field. With the goal of maximum innovation and highest possible quality, BMW Motorrad and BMW Automobile have a close alliance in this field too, where this material has long been used in series production.

BMW Motorrad says it has demonstrated how the rapid pace of digitisation will change the future of motorcycling. BMW Motorrad is taking two-wheeler needs into consideration for tomorrow’s world of transport and preparing for it technically. Above all, the V2V communication between vehicles are in the foreground, further enhancing safety and comfort for the motorcyclist through digital networking.