Munich. BMW Motorrad’s first autonomous motorbike was
presented last week at the BMW Motorrad Techday 2018. A BMW R 1200 GS
made its first rounds in front of assembled journalists, as if by
magic, at the BMW Group testing ground in Miramas, southern France.
Developed by graduate engineer Stefan Hans and his team, the vehicle
independently drives off, accelerates, circles a winding test track
and independently slows down to a stop.
With this forward-thinking development, BMW Motorrad, as a driver for
technical innovations in the field of motorcycling, is by no means
aiming for a completely independent motorbike. Rather, the underlying
technology should serve as a platform for development of future
systems and functions to make motorcycling even safer, more
comfortable and increase the riding pleasure. The aim of the prototype
is to gather additional knowledge with regards driving dynamics in
order to detect dangerous situations early on and thus support the
driver with appropriate safety systems while turning at intersections
or when braking suddenly, for example.
In addition to this impressive outlook on increased riding pleasure
and safety, BMW Motorrad presented many more exciting technology
projects. Luminous motorcycle headlights from cornering lights to
laser headlights were highlights as well as a motorcycle frame
manufactured completely using a 3D printing process, including a rear
swinging arm. As with the development of its autonomous motorcycles,
BMW Motorrad here too has utilized synergies with BMW automobiles –
this manufacturing process has already made its way into series
production for various vehicles. The advantage of 3D printing lies in
the complete freedom of designing components that could not be
produced in other ways.
The innovative processes used in the production of motorcycle chassis
components, such as frame, swinging arm and wheels are made from the
lightweight, yet high-strength material carbon – already industrially
manufactured in the BMW HP4 RACE – further demonstrating BMW
Motorrad’s technical competence and excellence in this field. With the
goal of maximum innovation and highest possible quality, BMW Motorrad
and BMW Automobile have a close alliance in this field too, where this
material has long been used in series production.
To conclude, BMW Motorrad has demonstrated how the rapid pace of
digitization will change the future of motorcycling. BMW Motorrad is
taking two-wheeler needs into consideration for tomorrow’s world of
transport and preparing for it technically. Above all, the V2V
communication between vehicles are in the foreground further enhancing
safety and comfort for the motorcyclist through digital networking.
Here, too, BMW Motorrad benefits from close cooperation with BMW Automobiles.
Press material on BMW motorcycles and BMW Motorrad rider equipment
can be found on the BMW Group PressClub at: www.press.bmwgroup.com.
In case of queries please contact:
Internet: www.press.bmw.de
E-mail: presse@bmw.de
The BMW Group
With its four brands BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW
Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and
motorcycles and also provides premium financial and mobility services.
The BMW Group production network comprises 30 production and assembly
facilities in 14 countries; the company has a global sales network in
more than 140 countries.
In 2017, the BMW Group sold over 2,463,500 passenger vehicles and
more than 164,000 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the
financial year 2017 was € 10.655 billion on revenues amounting to
€ 98.678 billion. As of 31 December 2017, the BMW Group had a
workforce of 129,932 employees.
The success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term
thinking and responsible action. The company has therefore established
ecological and social sustainability throughout the value chain,
comprehensive product responsibility and a clear commitment to
conserving resources as an integral part of its strategy.
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