New Human–Machine Relationships | ART for Human Possibilities
What will human-machine interfaces of the future be like? MOTOROiD is a proof-of-concept experimental electric motorcycle integrating mobility with intelligent technologies. If people and their machines can take on a deeper kind of partnership, one where they can call to and respond to one another.
MOTOROiD 2 was unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2023, touching on the possible evolutionary directions for personal mobility. However; the first MOTOROiD was unveiled in 2017 as a proof-of-concept machine, and its developers sought new forms of personal mobility in which the rider resonates harmoniously with the machine.
Equipped for high-precision balance control via artificial intelligence and
autonomous technology, MOTOROiD 2 can sense its state and adjust its centre of gravity accordingly to stand up off its kickstand and remain upright unassisted. It can also recognise its owner and move forward to meet them.
Since MOTOROiD’s debut in 2017, Yamaha has continued its R&D. The Active Mass Center Control System* for self-balancing and the image recognition AI from the first version were further refined, while the new LEAF structure—something entirely new to motorcycles—was added to update the bike with functions and looks aimed squarely at rider–machine interactions. In short, the developers sought to create a lifetime companion.
The first MOTOROiD drew much attention because it followed the owner’s commands like a pet. However, this relationship was also top-down, with the owner giving directions and the bike carrying them out like a worker. Yamaha wanted to take the relationship between rider
and machine even deeper with MOTOROiD 2 —to a level where the two work together like lifetime companions.
*This technology stabilises two-wheeled vehicles by using electronics to actively control the chassis and constantly optimise the vehicle's attitude.