Riderless BMW motorcycle defies gravity at CES 2019
With VIDEO & "Jack Ryan" VR Experience from San Diego Comic-Con 2018, plus BMW Vision iNEXT concept!
The world’s automakers have embraced CES (the Consumer Electronics Show). Each year we are shown the latest in cutting edge automotive technology.
At CES 2019, BMW captured headlines and dominated the news videos with its gravity-defying, riderless motorcycle, but that was only one element of their major exhibit, which occupied a temporary building and a large section of what is usually a parking lot across the street from the South Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.
I had an opportunity to tour the exhibit, the stated theme of which was intelligent connectivity, highlighting its potential for future individual mobility. As they have done in years past, BMW had a concept vehicle central to the theme. That vehicle was the BMW Vision iNEXT, which looks ahead to the future of driving pleasure and BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant. This is the central element for interaction between the driver, their vehicle and their digital world.
Inside the BMW exhibit’s building, the BMW Vision iNEXT concept could be observed beyond a relaxing, park-like setting, within which suspended, transparent domes projected the voice of BMW’s helpful, informative, Intelligent Personal Assistant as she welcomed us and explained the concept.
BMW Vision iNEXT concept
The BMW Vision iNEXT and its relaxing setting showcased BMW’s interior design principle “My Favorite Space” with, as they say in their CES press release (Jan. 8, 2019), harmonious, natural surfaces and technology that is kept discreetly out of sight. It attempted to answer the question: “What will cars look like when they no longer have to be driven by a person, but still can be?” In their answer BMW suggests that the interior can be a place for relaxation, interaction, entertainment or concentration, as preferred. It is more like a comfortable and fashionably furnished “living space” on wheels – a new “Favorite Space.”
BMW Vision iNEXT concept
BMW Vision iNEXT concept
To preserve the high-end, yet cozy character of the rear compartment, and place its occupants center-stage, the intelligent technology behind the operating controls is integrated out of sight. It only becomes visible and operable when required by the driver or passengers.
BMW Vision iNEXT concept
To demonstrate the Intelligent Personal Assistant, BMW had an interactive, mixed reality VR experience set in the year 2025. Somehow using just a lightweight VR headset, the clever folks at BMW managed to simulate the sensations of a driver (me) walking in a building, taking an elevator down to a waiting BMW, and then driving/riding in that car, complete with 360-degree views and experiencing the tech being demonstrated, seamlessly integrating all the relevant factors of the driver’s trip – including ETA, tasks, appointments, entertainment, shopping, real time audio/video communications with home and office, and more. It was all very real.
No more will we need to stress out and waste hours in heavy, dangerous traffic. Instead the car will take care of the driving, while we are free to do something else.
Wearing the VR headset absolutely transformed this environment into an immersive experience.
It was amazing how just wearing a VR headset could provide such an immersive experience. Last summer I experienced the "Jack Ryan Training Field" VR experience at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 (AutoMatters & More #552). To accomplish their goal of providing a realistic VR experience, participants were outfitted not only with a VR headset, but also with a backpack full of electronics, as well as gloves and footgear equipped with special sensors.
Trainee Jan Wagner in the "Jack Ryan Training Field" VR experience at San Diego Comic-Con 2018 (Amazon Prime Video).
Outside the building, the new BMW X7 Sports Activity Vehicle and a very special BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle were demonstrated. Visitors could experience the excellent off-road capabilities of the X7 by taking a ride in one on an exciting and demanding off-road course. The chassis is very rigid, eliminating issues of chassis flex and allowing the suspension to do what it was designed to do. BMW xDrive All Wheel Drive diverts the power to the wheel that needs it.
BMW X7
BMW X7
BMW X7
BMW X7
BMW X7
BMW X7
In Sport Mode the vehicle lowers down, and would probably feel as good on a racetrack as it does off-road.
BMW X7 & the Las Vegas Monorail at CES 2019.
I saved what may well have been the best for last: a riderless BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle.
Prototype BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle at CES 2019
It is able to start, accelerate, perform cornering maneuvers, slow down and come to a stop – all by itself and yes, without ‘training wheels.’ Afterwards we speculated on possible uses for such a vehicle. One possibility might be to courier documents through congested city traffic.
Video of prototype BMW R 1200 GS motorcycle at CES 2019
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Comments (21)
When Honda came up with the riderless motorcycle two years ago everyone just hated it. Now BMW does the same thing and people think it is the greatest invention in history.
Perhaps a difference between Honda and BMW is the effectiveness of their respective publicity departments. I wonder how many people knew about Honda's riderless motorcycle? I, for one, did not.
Surely they could create a way more efficient shape rather than having an empty seat.
This. Maybe a trunk-pod to follow you with groceries while you enjoy a Vulcan or 250 GTO on the way home? That form factor is ridiculous unless I was a a Ripley’s believe it or not or the reshoot of ghost rider.
Let's be honest tho, who is actually going to take the X7 off road? It's a really expensive 4x4 that about 5 people are actually going to use off road, just like Land Rovers.
That is true of many, if not most, automobiles within their respective use categories. Sports cars come to mind. I autocrossed all of the Mazda Miatas that I owned over the years, but I could not afford to buy, let alone afford to compete with,...
Read moreone of the most bizarre and stupid things i have seen this year so far....the riderless motorcycle. if there is a point other than the'we did it because we can' thing it totally escapes me. is it just me?
So thr point of a self rideing motor bike is what exactly? I get trucks and to a point cars but the point of a bike is that freedom to do what you want and go where you want. What a wast of an adventure bike
I hear it's terrific at cattle herding ...