Yamaha is reimagining motorcycle safety with a new single-camera collision warning system, recently revealed in patent filings from Japan. While most modern ADAS setups rely on radar or dual cameras for depth perception, Yamaha’s system aims to simplify things, using just one front-facing camera backed by intelligent software.
The innovation lies in how the system processes visual data. By analyzing changes between video frames and combining them with real-time bike telemetry – like speed and lean angle – the onboard computer predicts the bike’s path and the trajectories of surrounding vehicles. If a collision is likely, a warning is triggered.
Unlike traditional radar-based systems, Yamaha’s camera-only approach reduces false alarms by factoring in real-world riding scenarios, like vehicles pulling away or turning safely across the rider’s path. It also anticipates threats on curving roads, thanks to its ability to analyze lean angles, which radar can often misinterpret.
Why one camera? Space and cost. Particularly on naked bikes, there’s limited room for stereo cameras or bulky radar hardware. Yamaha’s solution makes advanced safety features more accessible and less obtrusive, without compromising awareness.
As rider-assist systems become more common, Yamaha’s predictive, camera-based approach could lead the way in creating smarter, less annoying tech, while still helping prevent crashes.
