Over the last few years, we have witnessed a number of motorcycle manufacturers spending a lot of money, time, and effort in developing new motorcycle safety features. Motorcyclists are very vulnerable on roads and any kind of safety nets that would help them be that much safer is always welcomed. Suzuki is working on something which would allow its motorcycles to talk or rather communicate.
In short, motorcycles with radar reflectors and other vehicles with radars would talk to each other sharing location and perhaps other information as well.
There is a new patent application filed by Suzuki in Japan that shows fitting of radar reflectors on motorcycles as well as small cars. Unlike traditional radar systems, these reflectors work in the opposite way and could be easily detected or spotted by radars.
The patent image shows numerous such radar reflectors placed to the front and rear of a bike. These reflectors are small, geometrically-shaped, and can be tucked inside motorcycle light units or fitted on mirrors.
So the whole idea behind this technology is that many cars are now coming with radar-assisted safety features like adaptive cruise control, automated braking system, lane keep assist, collision avoidance system, and so on. These radars can detect what’s happening in their surroundings. With a set of radar reflectors mounted on a motorcycle or a small car, those vehicles will be easily detected by the radar systems. In short, motorcycles with radar reflectors and other vehicles with radars would talk to each other sharing location and perhaps other information as well.
This is not the first time we are seeing a motorcycle brand playing with radar technology. Ducati has been testing C-V2X system for quite some time now. It is an integral part of Ducati’s ‘Safety Road Map 2025’. It’s a wireless communication system that can enable a Ducati bike to connect or communicate with its surroundings that may include cars, other motorcycles, pedestrians, bicycles, etc. Ducati showcased its C-V2X system earlier this year at the CES 2019. The development of the C-V2X system is still in process.
KTM is also expected to be working on a similar system. Bosch has also developed its own front and rear motorcycle radar systems.
In the future, we’re definitely going to see a highly-advanced safety system based on radar technology. Automobiles will be able to ‘talk’ to each other and hopefully make the world a safer place.
What do you think about such systems? Do you think it is always better to have someone or something looking over your shoulder for you or do you think this is a bit too much and is creepy?
