Yamaha’s Motorcycle-Robot “Was Created to Surpass You”

Robots taking over the world isn’t a new concept. We’ve seen enough movies that have hammered the fact that robot technology is the next big thing. Even Isaac Asimov saw the future of robotics way back in the 1950s. Yamaha has taken robotics to the next level with a motorcycle-robot that can ride bikes at more than 120 miles per hour.

What makes the ‘Motobot’ particularly scary is that when it says “I was created to surpass you” in a smug albeit Stalin-ish tone in the promotional video, you can’t help but believe it.

“I’m improving my skills everyday”

Motobot is controlled via a remote controller-like device. The video shows a man controlling every aspect of the robot that is involved in driving the bike. The controller also feeds video via the robot’s in-built camera. “The task of controlling the complex motions of a motorcycle at high speeds requires a variety of control systems that must function with a high degree of accuracy,” the Japanese company wrote.

“We want to apply the fundamental technology and know-how gained in the process of this challenge to the creation of advanced rider safety and rider-support systems and put them to use in our current businesses, as well as using them to pioneer new lines of business.”

Yamaha said that, with the advantage of robotic specialisation, the end goal of Motobot was to become capable of competing against Valentino Rossi, aka ‘The Doctor’.

Motobot at the Tokyo Motor Show

Motobot has six actuators for steering, throttle, front and rear brake, clutch and gearshift pedal. It reacts to data from the bike’s internal sensors, including speed, engine RPM and attitude, and steers the motorcycle and also reacts to conditions on the track.

Watch the promo video and decide whether Motobot has instilled the fear of maybe one day seeing your whole race wiped out by intelligent robots!