Harley-Davidson Applies for Patent On Autonomous Braking Technology

This technology uses several sensors spread across the motorcycle to predict an imminent collision and act accordingly

Harley-Davidson has applied for a patent on a new autonomous braking technology that should be able to automatically predict a crash and apply brakes in the event of an emergency. They are not the only one though. Tech maker Bosch and two other bikemakers Ducati and KTM are also working on technology along similar lines. Harley-Davidson plans to call its active safety system as ‘Emergency Autonomous Braking System’. This system will use several sensors around the motorcycle to detect an imminent crash and act accordingly. 

 

The sensors will look out for potential hazards on the road, hazards that could possibly cause a crash. The information collected by the sensors will be sent to a controller which would decide whether to act on the data or ignore it. Acting on the data would imply actuating the brakes and clutch to bring the bike to a halt. 

Unlike, cars, a rider is a more active part of the scenario so Harley-Davidson plans to get him into the picture as well. This will be done via sensors on the palm grips, seat and even the helmet. These sensors will track the rider’s alertness and determine if he is prepared for a panic brake scenario. If the rider is not prepared, the system will flash a warning on the instrument cluster. If the rider still does not respond, the system will take over and automatically apply brakes. The system will also be able to regulate brake force depending on the gravity of the situation. 

The technology is still in its early stages and might take a couple of years to reach fruition. Till then it is upto our alertness and good ole' reflexes to dodge that stray dog/pedestrian crossing the road. 

 

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