The Finnish company Verge Motorcycles, which we’ve talked about several times because of its electric motorcycle, continues its innovative and “disruptive” path by introducing further improvements to its flagship model, the TS Ultra. Six high-resolution cameras and front and rear radars have arrived to further enhance the capabilities of the software platform introduced last November. This is an update that even those who have already bought the TS Ultra will be able to request and receive, and we’ll take a closer look at it to see why it might be of interest.
Just a few months ago, Verge presented an evolution of its software platform called Starmatter and started talking about artificial intelligence applied to motorcycles. This platform is based on four pillars: over-the-air (OTA) updates, hardware sensors, human-machine interface (HMI) and AI. It is now being enriched with a new package called Starmatter Vision, which aims to offer advanced safety systems in addition to the existing traction control, ABS and low center of gravity, which is one of the advantages of the Verge design. “Verge is making riding even smarter and safer, for example by improving the rider’s ability to observe the bike’s environment and functions with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning. “The TS Ultra’s new cameras, combined with the software update announced today, make it the world’s first motorcycle with a sense of sight, advising the rider and acting as a ‘whisperer’ while riding,” is how Verge’s CTO, Marko Lehtimäki, describes it.
In fact, with this update, Verge’s bike comes closer to what is already happening in the automotive field in terms of driver assistance and becomes capable of analyzing its surroundings and warning the driver of potential dangers, such as a vehicle approaching from behind or changing lanes. The now larger screen at the top of the tank simplifies the necessary functionality and provides warnings of potential dangers and, when the rider activates the indicator, shows what is happening behind them thanks to the rear-view camera which, unlike the rear-view mirror, we assume offers a wider and more comprehensive view.
Verge Motorcycles is still a very small company, but one that is committed to innovation and, as such, will be present again this year at CES in Las Vegas, from January 9 to 12, 2024.