Ride Vision Launches Collision Avoidance System for Motorcycles

[Admin]

Ride Vision 1 is an AI-based system that can alert riders to impending dangers like nearby vehicles and even possible collisions. (Ride Vision/)

A constant stream of technological innovation is par for the course in the automotive world, but in the motorcycling universe, we all know things have always moved a bit more slowly. Computerized, sensor-aided Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have been available on cars for years now, but the challenges of designing similar tech for motorcycles—accounting for the bike’s yaw (tilt), rider behavior, and faster closing speeds—have made recognizing danger on two wheels a massively more complicated task. But there has been progress of late with ARAS (Advanced Rider Assistance Systems) for motorcycles, from both smaller operators like Damon (which calls it Advanced Warning System for Motorcycles or AWSM) as well as major players like Bosch, who is collaborating with BMW, Ducati, and KTM (providing components for Ducati’s Multistrada, BMW’s Active Cruise Control, and possibly the KTM 1290 Super Adventure) to claim a stake of the bike safety space with radar/camera/sensor arrangements. But so far those big-name products are bike-specific and narrowly focused, so Ride Vision, a small Israel-based startup operation, is looking to get a foot in the door with a new system that’s simpler, less expensive, and more widely available. The company has just launched its AI-based motorcycle safety alert system internationally, though it veers from established name tags by calling it “collision-aversion technology (CAT).”

Ride Vision says its new system can be fitted to any motorcycle, new or used. (Splitshire from Pixabay/)

So just how’s the new system, dubbed Ride Vision 1, different from similarly intended and designed systems from the likes of Bosch and Damon? In a few subtle ways, but from what we can tell, it’s mostly because the RV1 setup uses standard cameras enhanced by software rather than pricier high-tech equipment, making it accessible for all riders and bike brands. The Ride Vision 1 wide-angle cameras survey the environment around the bike and tap into a system employing predictive algorithms to help riders make critical decisions without being overly distracting. Ride Vision says it uses a combination of image-recognition and other AI-based algorithms to correct for a motorcycle’s positional changes and even rider behavior. And the system is unique for the fact that it can be installed on any kind of two-wheeled vehicle, regardless of the model or manufacturer, with a dedicated app that connects the system to the rider’s mobile device.

Mirror-mounted LEDs give you the heads-up if there’s untoward vehicle action nearby. (Ride Vision /)

A typical Ride Vision setup will include two small cameras, one mounted on the front and one on the rear of the bike. Because the cameras are wide angle—current prototypes claim 175 degrees—the two devices provide nearly 360 degrees of vision when combined. For the rider alerts, plastic extensions mounted atop the motorcycle’s left and right mirrors have LED lights that’ll flash different colors and patterns depending on the detected threat, similar to auto ADAS currently in use. For instance, if a forward collision is detected, both mirror extensions will blink red, but if the collision is determined to be coming from the right, just the right mirror blinks. The alerts are customizable, and the Ride Vision system can also send audio cues to a rider wearing a Bluetooth-connected helmet.

Blind spot detection/overtake alerts can be customized to the rider’s preference. (Ride Vision/)

The weatherproof system can provide collision warnings by taking into account speed, conditions, and time to impact, monitor distance to the vehicle in front of you, and offer blind spot as well as overtake alerts via the mirror-mounted indicators. The system also offers data recording within the app, so users can access ride summaries containing distance, alerts, and speed data, all of which can be exported for personal use (Ride Vision says the data is stored only on the mobile device and not being shared). A main compact ECU that stores the patented algorithms also resides onboard, with power for the entire system coming from the motorcycle’s battery.

RELATED: Riding Damon’s Shape-Shifting Halo Motorcycle

Predictive algorithms sense vehicle movement and proximity, as when clueless drivers drift into your lane. (Ride Vision/)

Ride Vision says its system is the first of its kind, though there are some familiar elements at play here. As for KTM and Ducati, Ride Vision CEO Uri Lavi says, “…their systems…can identify a…vehicle getting too close, but can’t tell if that vehicle is moving in a way that may lead to a collision.” The tech is also limited to just the big brand’s own models, and Ride Vision unquestionably has a huge opportunity for the fact that its system can be installed on any new or used motorcycle. And since Ride Vision is a technology platform, periodical upgrades will come online, featuring new safety alerts and things like offering an Emergency Call option following an accident, Forward-Side Collision Alerts, Rear Collision Alerts, and even the ability to create videos using embedded riding data to share with friends.

A companion app lets you access ride summaries and customize alerts. (Ride Vision/)

Judging by the website, the Ride Vision 1 product is on sale now, though you’ll need to sign up before the company connects you with a retailer. Price isn’t mentioned, but we’ve heard numbers of approximately $350 for the hardware, with added monthly fees to use the smartphone app. The company’s products will be available in several European countries starting early 2021 with a similarly timed US launch date also in the works.

View the full article