Can AI impact motorcycles?

While I have my own worries and concerns about AI, I have largely dismissed the technology as a whole. AI has long worked like the late, great Microsoft paper clip, Clippy. Assisting with tasks and suggestions, but not really capable of the machine learning and content creation that current AI is capable of handling.

Enter the 2020s and AI has taken a huge turn, revealing the possibilities that the technology is capable of. From realistic deep-fakes to writing news articles, AI is making its mark on modern society in conspicuous ways. AI and machine learning have been in development for more than 50 years, but being able to win at chess vs being able to generate images that require human scrutiny to detect if they are real sums up how for it has come, and how capable it is.

With that in mind, I have some concerns about AI and machine learning. Suddenly the trivial experiments that Yamaha did with Motobot and Valentino Rossi appear to be a bit more ominous.

Another worry that I have is the use of AI in commerce. The goal of modern business today is to make as much money as possible as efficiently as possible. This not only includes replacing many processes with AI, but also inherently making down-the-line operations dependent on that same AI process.

With machine learning being used to guide autonomous driving, imagine that LED and laser headlights get so intense that humans struggle to drive at night. Eventually you could imagine that instead of fixing the problem, humans no longer operate vehicles at night, and instead cameras and radar which are unaffected by the visible light spectrum conduct all the night driving instead.

That is only one small example, and it is not even that nefarious (imagine vehicle to infrastructure monitors governing speed, vehicles refusing to start if you have a parking ticket, or worse, vehicles malfunctioning or mis-calibrations causing collisions with other vehicles or structures on the roadway).

I asked ChatGPT how AI could affect motorcycling both positively and negatively. Here’s what it proposed:
Junky: How can AI affect Motorcycling?
ChatGPT:AI can significantly impact motorcycling in several ways:

1. Safety Enhancements: AI can power advanced safety systems like collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking. These features can help prevent accidents by detecting obstacles and responding in real-time.
2. Smart Gear: Wearable technology, like smart helmets with integrated navigation, communication, and augmented reality displays, can enhance the riding experience while keeping riders informed without distractions.
3. Maintenance and Diagnostics: AI can monitor the health of motorcycles, predicting maintenance needs and diagnosing issues before they become serious problems. This can lead to safer rides and reduced breakdowns.
4. Personalization: AI can analyze riding habits and preferences to offer customized recommendations for routes, gear, and even riding styles, enhancing the overall experience.
5. Training and Simulation: AI-powered simulators can provide training for new riders, offering realistic scenarios to practice skills in a safe environment, improving rider confidence and competence.
6. Traffic Management: In urban areas, AI can help optimize traffic flow and route planning for motorcycles, reducing congestion and improving overall efficiency.
7. Community and Connectivity: AI can facilitate community-building among riders through apps that connect them based on interests, routes, and experiences, enhancing the social aspect of motorcycling.

Overall, AI has the potential to make motorcycling safer, more enjoyable, and more efficient.

Junky: How can AI negatively impact motorcycling?
ChatGPT: AI can also have potential negative impacts on motorcycling, including:

1. Over-reliance on Technology: Riders may become overly dependent on AI systems for safety, leading to a decrease in basic riding skills and situational awareness.
2. Distraction: Advanced features in smart helmets or navigation systems can distract riders, increasing the risk of accidents if attention is diverted from the road.
3. Privacy Concerns: AI systems often collect data, raising concerns about privacy and data security. Riders may be uncomfortable with their location and riding habits being tracked.
4. Increased Cost: The integration of AI technology into motorcycles and gear can raise prices, making them less accessible to some riders.
5. Inequitable Access: Not all riders may have access to advanced AI technologies, potentially creating a divide between those who can afford it and those who cannot.
6. Cybersecurity Risks: As motorcycles become more connected, they could be vulnerable to hacking or other cybersecurity threats, putting riders at risk.
7. False Sense of Security: If AI systems fail to perform as expected, riders may not be prepared for unexpected situations, leading to accidents.
8. Job Displacement: Increased automation and AI integration could reduce demand for certain jobs in the motorcycle industry, impacting mechanics and other professionals.

While AI has many benefits, it’s essential to address these potential downsides to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.