Bosch is Bringing ADAS Technology to Motorcycles to Increase Safety

Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have long since been established in cars, but what about those of the two-wheeled world? While drivers get technology like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning and forward-collision warning systems, motorcyclists usually just have to stick it out and hope for the best with a good helmet.

(All images taken from Bosch)

But not anymore. With technology like anti-lock brakes and traction control slowly being implemented into motorbikes, Bosch is taking the chance to add on even more significant improvements to safety in motorcycles.

After all, with the number of motorcycle related traffic fatalities rising each year, smart technology will certainly be in high demand for many motorcyclists.

Pictured above is a diagram of the adaptive cruise control Bosch hopes to adapt and integrate into motorcycles. With the ability to speed and slow down according to traffic flow, motorcycle journeys have never been more convenient.

Bosch is also working on a forward-collision warning system - as soon as the motorcycle is started, the system will automatically be activated. So how does the system really work?

If the system detects that the rider isn’t aware or reacting to a rapidly nearing vehicle, it will warn them by using either a sonic or optical signal.

Furthermore, Bosch has also created a complex motorcycle stability control system. According to CNET, the device “utilizes advanced gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect parameters such as speed, lean angles and braking force and can instantly adjust electronic braking and throttle settings to help prevent a crash.”

Last but certainly not the least, Bosch has also developed a blind-spot warning system (pictured above). The blind-spot warning system works similarly to those implemented in a car. By using a small radar sensor, it will help to detect vehicles approaching and offer a warning, ideally by illuminating a light in the appropriate side mirror.

This could be a huge step in improving safety for motorcyclists, as many riders struggle with mirrors that provide a limited field of vision that won’t adjust past their elbows or become blurry at speed.

It has been reported that Bosch is already working with well-known motorcycle manufacturers such as Ducati and KTM to incorporate these technologies on future models from 2020 onwards. According to CNET, we can expect to see them on models like the Multistrada and the 1290 Super Duke before gradually being implemented in the other bikes.