It has been some weeks now since Yamaha, Honda and BMW Motorrad announced that they are collaborating to enhance cooperative-intelligent transportation systems (C-ITS) applications in powered two-wheelers.

These features will be introduced from 2020 and the trio has asked other motorcycle makers to join the consortium so as to further increase safety in powered two-wheelers.

This initiative will have tremendous significance for the two-wheeler segment. There has been a lot of talk on autonomous cars but two-wheelers are equally relevant mobility solutions especially in India and the ASEAN region. It is here that safety becomes an important issue.

According to a press release, ITS technologies can further increase safety, security and efficiency in all transport systems, in particular for motorcycles.

Intelligent transport systems require the integration of information and communications technology including transport infrastructure, vehicles and users.

Basic applications currently exist in GPS navigation systems, where real-time traffic information is provided such as rerouting advice based on traffic jams ahead.

For road transport in particular, interoperable networked wireless communication between vehicles can enable road users to make coordinated and informed decisions about their route as well as allowing safer manoeuvring in busy urban environments.

ITS technologies are expected to generate particular safety benefits in regard to powered two-wheelers not least by offering a level of ‘electronic communication’ which can be shared between riders and drivers of other road vehicles.

ITS systems designed for cars cannot simply be transferred to motorcycles. Due to the limited space available, electronic systems have to be smaller and be resilient to water, dust and vibration.

Since motorcycles exhibit different driving dynamics, software development and algorithms need to consider special requirements.

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW