Yamaha develops low-speed self-balancing technology for its motorcycles

The bike can move at walking speed without falling over.

According to media reports, Yamaha is working on a new self-balancing technology that could help reduce the number of bicycle accidents. Called the Advanced Motorcycle Stabilization Assist System or AMSAS, the technology can be incorporated into existing motorcycle designs without requiring modifications to the frame or any component.

The new technology uses two actuators, one on the front wheel and the other on the handlebars. These two actuators work in conjunction with the bike’s 6-axis IMU to keep the vehicle stable at low speeds. Reports state that when stopping or starting, the drive actuator on the wheel helps with stability up to about 5 km/h (3 mph) before the steering actuator takes over. This means that regardless of the rider’s ability, the bike can move even at walking pace without falling over.

Describing their system as “using the dynamics of an inverted pendulum,” Yamaha tested AMSAS technology on a YZF-R25 – their fully faired 250cc inline-twin motorcycle.

The motorcycle brand aims to eliminate two-wheeler accidents by 2050 by introducing many new technologies, including some that predict obstacles and assist in evasive maneuvers. With AMSAS technology said to be only halfway through, Yamaha is working on miniaturizing the technology before it goes into production. In addition to motorcycles, Yamaha plans to use the technology in other types of two-wheelers, including bicycles.