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.
According to a release by Kawasaki USA, the motorcycles being developed will use the Emotion Generation Engine and Natural Language Dialogue System - 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 – a platform currently being developed by SoftBank Group subsidiary cocoro SB Corp.
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 conceptualised 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 says these motorcycles are products of its ‘Rideology’ philosophy - its “rider-centric commitment to pursue all possibilities to ensure that products are fun and rewarding to ride”.
