A significant change is coming to the world of motorcycles. Most of the modern-day machinery has been partnered with some sort of artificial intelligence technology, giving the mechanical system the ability learn and adapt based on many different engineering technologies. BMW has become the first company to create an autonomous motorcycle, which functions using only A.I technology.
BMW has been one of the top names in the world of motorcycles, and engineering, for years. The company’s claim to fame is their pushrod engine. This engine has revolutionized the way that companies make motorcycles. Before 1962, most motorcycles had a flat twin, two-cylinder combustion engine, and the cylinders were on opposite sides of the bike, which caused a build-up of heat, but the BMW boxer twin has an 180-degree shaft allowing both pistons to work together. This creates the most balance possible, which is great for motorcycles. It is called the pushrod system because the crankshaft was attached to the piston using one rod, while two other rods connected to either side of the piston. It is undoubtedly no surprise that now, BMW is the first company to develop the revolutionary autonomous bike.
BMW has brought the world the R1200 motorcycle, which can be driven without any human intervention. A fantastic piece of engineering, the motorcycle can run on its own without any human intervention. BMW is running the bike on different circuits, showing the way that it can adapt to its environment. This is just one example of AI technology, and its ability to fully function on its own in the real world, and how its practical applications can aid the current model, to become more safe, reliable and more manageable for drivers to use.
The main focus of engineering in BMW motorcycles has always been to increase safety. Bikes are one of the riskiest modes of transportation available, resulting in more fatal accidents every year than on any other vehicle. It isn’t the motorcycle boots being used or the helmets that people are wearing; it is the human factor built into driving. BMW hopes to use this new technology, built into the autonomous motorcycle, in human-driven bikes to create alerts, or other features, that will increase the safety of their drivers.
The company is also very proud of its 3d printing capabilities. Often called additive manufacturing, they use it for most of their engineering today. BMW recently 3d printed an entire frame for a motorcycle using a 3d printer and aluminium dust. Before making frames from aluminium, BMW only could use additive technology on smaller parts of their engineering and machinery. This additive technology has allowed BMW to offer the first three-part frame made solely from 3d printing, for users or collectors to recreate vintage parts that had become unavailable in a cost-effective way. BMW is constantly ahead of the market in motorcycle trends. It will be exciting to see what they come up with next.
