Honda patent new steering assist technology for better motorcycle safety
Honda have patented a new steering assistant system meant to intervene if it detects no reaction from the rider, and unlike other systems, it will be changing inputs in the steering itself.
New Delhi: Honda have filed a new patent showcasing a steering-assist system for motorcycles that would let bikes actively intervene and adjust their own direction in emergency scenarios. This would be a huge step from how rider aids have worked so far in two-wheelers.
Motorcycles today are quite heavily dependent on electronic aids like ABS, traction control, wheelie control and much more. All these are made to keep the bike stable, but they are still dependent on rider inputs. Honda’s proposed system takes a step further by intervening at the steering itself when it detects a potential collision.
According to the patent filing, the system will use a camera and blind spot monitoring to identify hazards and potential collisions. On detecting a hazard or risk, the system will enable steering assistance to push the bike away from the danger. It is quite like the lane-keeping or collision-avoiding tools in cars, adapted for the two-wheelers.
Honda have given two scenarios for the operations, one where the rider has already started reacting through braking and steering inputs, and in such a case, the system would be applying limited assist to just support the manoeuvring. However, if the system detects no reaction from the rider, then it will put strong steering input meant to avoid abrupt movements that might disbalance the bike.
Even though it is meant for improving safety standards, there are concerns, of course. Motorcyclists, being most vulnerable in road accidents, are dependent on anticipation, road placements and escape plans through rapidly moving traffic situations. The concern is that if any system alters steering input raises questions about the accuracy of negotiating complex scenarios.
Unlike cars, even the slightest inputs on the handlebars could alter the motorcycle’s balance and trajectory by a lot. For riders, any kind of interference could be quite intrusive.