Bosch begins radar technology trials in Japan
Testing is in full flight ahead of the company’s rider assistance package entering production in 2020Technology giant Bosch has started public trials in Japan of its new ‘Advanced Rider Assistance Program’ which bundles together adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection and a collision warning system under one umbrella.
The surround-sensing technology uses radar to constantly monitor the periphery “and respond more rapidly than a human can” and, after more fine-tuning, will enter mass production in 2020 in certain Ducati and KTM models.
Japan’s road network provides an ideal testing ground for Bosch's technology thanks to a number of potential radar ‘spoilers’ such as noise barriers, guard rails and a large number of tunnels and bends to cope with the mountainous terrain.
Related: New Bosch tech helps drivers detect riders
According to KTM, adaptive cruise control is not designed as an emergency brake system but works when the machine is in cruise control above a designated speed. The system can detect a vehicle in front, ranging from the size of a motorcycle and above, and then locks on to maintain a distance of two seconds by automatic throttle control and – if needed – gentle application of the front brake. There will also be ability for the rider to customise the operational distance and speed.
Meanwhile, blind spot detection uses a shorter distance radar to adaptive cruised control to alert the rider to the potential of an undetected rear collision – such as when changing lanes – by way of a visual warning on the TFT display as well as with illuminating LEDs integrated within the rearview mirror glass.
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