Honda working on mind-reading motorcycle tech

Yes, you read that right. A new patent application has revealed that Honda is working on brain-wave detection technology for future systems.

• The system uses a steering angle sensor and actuator

• Honda’s helmet features electrodes that picks ups the brain-wave signals

• It can take control over various systems automatically

The new patent application comes from Honda’s Los Angeles-based R&D Americas facility and aims to improve the way the rider and motorcycle interact. The main purpose of the system is to enable onboard safety systems to act according to your thoughts.

From what we understand, the special helmet that comes along with the motorcycle features electrodes that can pick up brain-wave signals. After which, these signals make their way to a “Brain-Machine Interface” computer that interprets them and then sends them to the motorcycle.

While that bit does seem extraordinary, what doesn’t is the automation of the safety systems on the motorcycle. Most high-end motorcycles of today feature an IMU, ride-by-wire, traction control and stability control system. Ducati’s Multistrada V4 has also become the first bike to bring a radar system to the market. This radar system allows for active cruise control and collision warning, among other things. 

The only safety tech mentioned in the patent and not on the current crop of motorcycles is the sensor that measures the steering angle and the actuator to move the steering.

In the patent, Honda has used a wheelie as an example for this tech. According to the patent, the bike could sense inputs, including brain waves, that “may be indicative of the user’s intent to perform the wheelie” and actually assist you in doing it by taking over control of various aspects of the motorcycle automatically.

What do you think of this advanced tech? Let us know in the comments below.