Harley Files Autonomous Braking Patent
Harley’s next motorcycles may aim to be smarter, or at least have faster reflexes.
Harley-Davidson has always worked hard to make riding motorcycles easier and more accessible for everyone. From new rider courses to anti-lock braking to lowered seat heights on some models, Harley wants everyone to experience the joy of riding.
Despite the tough guy image the brand projects, they want the act of riding itself to be less intimidating, with the hope of bringing in new riders and keep older riders on the road as long as possible. That means not only making motorcycles easier to ride, but safer, too.
Their newest development may in fact be their most technologically advanced development yet. According to Motorcycle, Harley has filed for a patent for an automatic braking system.
Automatic emergency braking has been an option on some cars for quite a few years now. In an emergency situation, the vehicle will automatically apply the brakes with a faster reaction time than any human, distracted or otherwise.
In a car, it’s an easier proposition than on a motorcycle. Of course balance isn’t an issue, and you’re belted in place. To get around this, Harley-Davidson has proposed a set of additional sensors to determine the rider’s readiness for emergency braking.
Sensors in the handgrips and seat would determine if a rider was in a seated position with their hands on the controls, while sensors on the instrument panel or inside of the helmet would track the rider’s level of alertness.
It’s a complicated setup for sure, but if they can get it working as it should, it may save more than a few lives. Considering that cars can brake much faster than motorcycles in many cases, every millisecond counts in an emergency situation. What say you? Would you want your motorcycle to stop for you?
Join the H-D Forums now!
