Kawasaki delivered an interesting press release today regarding its plans to develop motorcycles using Artificial Intelligence (AI).
While the accompanying graphic shows a sportbike to conceptualize the technology, it got us to thinking about the possibilities in the dirtbike world as well. Imagine a Kawasaki KX450F motocrosser or a KLX off-road bike that you could actually talk to while riding to dial-in items such as power delivery and suspension performance just by thoughts or voice commands while riding. It sounds like science fiction, but AI has the potential to change the way we interact with our motorcycles, and Kawasaki appears set to lead the way.
The following is from Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A.:
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 recognizing 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.
About Kawasaki
Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. (KHI) started full-scale production of motorcycles over a half century ago. The first Kawasaki motorcycle engine was designed based on technical know-how garnered from the development and production of aircraft engines, and Kawasaki’s entry into the motorcycle industry was driven by the company’s constant effort to develop new technologies. Numerous new Kawasaki models introduced over the years have helped shape the market, and in the process have created enduring legends based on their unique engineering, power, design and riding pleasure. In the future, Kawasaki’s commitment to maintaining and furthering these strengths will surely give birth to new legends.
Kawasaki Motors Corp., U.S.A. (KMC) markets and distributes Kawasaki motorcycles, ATVs, side x sides, and Jet Ski® watercraft through a network of approximately 1,100 independent retailers, with close to an additional 7,700 retailers specializing in general purpose engines. KMC and its affiliates employ nearly 3,100 people in the United States, with approximately 260 of them located at KMC’s Foothill Ranch, California headquarters.
Kawasaki’s tagline, “Let the good times roll.®”, is recognized worldwide. The Kawasaki brand is synonymous with powerful, stylish and category-leading vehicles. Information about Kawasaki’s complete line of powersports products and Kawasaki affiliates can be found on the Internet at www.kawasaki.com.
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