BMW has created a motorbike that drives itself – and it looks like something out of a ghost film
BMW's Motorrad arm has developed technology that allows a motorbike to drive without a rider even sitting on it, and is able to balance, steer and brake all on its own
BMW has created a motorbike that is able to drive itself.
Looking like something out of a ghost film, the freaky technology allows the bike to balance, drive and even steer without a rider on it.
A product of the German automaker's Motorrad arm, the company is developing technology to help make motorbike riding safer, and bring it more in-line with the kind of driver-assist features available in modern cars.
The company published a video to their YouTube channel on Tuesday showing an R1200GS sports bike driving itself around a test track.
The over-200kg bike can be seen easily maintaining its line on the road, and carving the perfect arch around the corner before coming to a stop and leaning on its side stand.
But the company stresses they are not trying to create a system for autonomous riding.
The self-propelled technology is designed to improve user safety by demonstrating the safest riding line around obstacles, and offer support in an emergency situation for inattentive riders.
Captioning their video, BMW Motorrad said: "We know automation is part of your motorcycle safety.
"The aim is to integrate dynamic control programs into the motorcycle that can show you the best and safest driving line around an obstacle at an early stage.
"Of course, the responsibility of riding should not be taken away from you, but an action recommendation can increase your safety.
"A corresponding control system could offer even more stability in a critical riding situation."