Technologies Driving the Revolution
MOTOROiD’s capabilities stem from a suite of advanced innovations:
AI-Powered Image Recognition: Allows the bike to identify its rider through facial and gesture recognition.
AMCES (Active Mass Center Control System): Yamaha’s proprietary self-balancing technology keeps the motorcycle upright autonomously, even at rest.
Haptic Human-Machine Interface (HMI): A wrap-around mechanism that fosters non-verbal communication, creating a tangible connection between rider and machine.
The synergy of these technologies pushes MOTOROiD beyond the realm of transportation into an entirely new category of "living machines."
The design team was tasked not merely with creating an exterior but with crafting an entity that embodies Yamaha’s futuristic aspirations. Inspired by the organic evolution of living beings, MOTOROiD’s form prioritizes functionality while maintaining aesthetic harmony.
The battery, for instance, serves as both a counterweight for balance and a symbolic heart of the motorcycle’s advanced engineering. Every line and curve reflects its purpose, resulting in a design that feels alive—pulsing with the potential of its technologies.
This process of collaboration between Yamaha’s designers and engineers transcended traditional boundaries, fostering a unified vision. Designers presented structural innovations, while engineers reimagined technical viability, resulting in a motorcycle that is both art and science.
“Yamaha’s design philosophy: Jin-Ki Kanno, or the “seductive exhilaration felt when one with the machine.”Yamaha
When summoned with a simple command—“MOTOROiD, stand up!”—the motorcycle responds with an almost lifelike gesture, rising gracefully to balance on its own. This display of autonomy evokes the imagery of a loyal companion, akin to a large pet playfully interacting with its owner.
The intuitive and seemingly organic movements of MOTOROiD capture the essence of Yamaha’s design philosophy: Jin-Ki Kanno, or the “seductive exhilaration felt when one with the machine.”
Yamaha MOTOROiD "Demonstration Run" (2)
Envisioning a Motorcycle Like a Living Creature - Yamaha
“MOTOROiD, stand up!” As if waking from a slumber to respond to the call, the machine’s chassis gyrates and slowly brings itself up off its side stand to stand upright on its own. With a beckoning gesture or call from the rider, MOTOROiD moves forward, and sometimes rotates its chassis to snake left and right as if engaged in a friendly frolic with the rider. Despite being a human with a machine, the scene looks more like a dog—albeit a very large one—and its owner going for a leisurely stroll, with a sense of intimacy and mutual trust.
The show visitors crowded around the stage were mesmerized by MOTOROiD and their imaginations likely began to run wild: “In the not-so-distant future, we may actually see motorcycles become this advanced.” It was a showstopping sight at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2017.
The primary technologies comprising MOTOROiD are an image recognition AI system for recognizing the rider’s face and gestures, Yamaha’s exclusive AMCES (Active Mass Center Control System) self-balancing technology, and a haptic human-machine interface (HMI) that wraps around the hips and is aimed at fostering non-verbal communication between rider and machine.
Jin-Ki Kanno
Each of these cutting-edge technologies were already being developed independently before MOTOROiD, and the original mission given to the design team was to create a design for the exterior covers of the testbed vehicle for these technologies. The request was for “a machine that looks and acts like a living creature.” It was this idea that would
MOTOROiD’s movements are nothing short of mesmerizing. Governed by AMCES, the bike's ability to self-correct its center of gravity mimics the reflexive actions of a living creature. When it rises from its side stand, it exhibits a “preliminary action” akin to an animal preparing to spring into motion. This deliberate animation enhances the lifelike quality of the machine, making the experience of interacting with MOTOROiD profoundly unique.
MOTOROiD embodies Yamaha’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and the human spirit. As an “unleashed prototype,” it breaks free from conventional motorcycle design, pointing toward a future where machines seamlessly integrate into our lives as partners, not tools.
While still a concept, MOTOROiD is a beacon of what’s possible when artistry and technology intersect. For Yamaha, it’s not just about building motorcycles; it’s about crafting the future of mobility, one where Jin-Ki Kanno continues to inspire the exhilarating union of rider and machine.
At the core of design lies Yamaha’s aspiration to deepen the Jin-Ki Kanno experience. By integrating AI-driven interaction and advanced HMI, Yamaha envisions a future where motorcycles are no longer mere vehicles but trusted companions. The machine becomes an extension of the rider, offering subtle support that enhances control without diminishing the thrill of the ride.
This concept paves the way for motorcycles that adapt to their riders’ skills, creating an inclusive experience where novices and experts alike can revel in the joy of riding.