I get on the crafted machine, strap in and push a button. The integrated helmet lowers into place, and as I push forward the vehicle springs into action. As we continue to pick up speed the front wheels extend, tilting me forward towards the ground but giving greater control. The ground rush fades away, and soon I am blasting along the sand, the only sound being a deep hum from the machine.
Here is something interesting that has washed up on the Beach. Yamaha has unleashed upon the world a Deus Ex Machina concept motorcycle that appears more robot than ride. Designed by an Art Center Pasadena student named Jake Loniak, it is powered by Ultra capacitors and doped neo-phosphate batteries.
The concept vehicle incorporates 36 pneumatic muscles and 2 linear actuators, creating a controlling spine. As the vehicle moves forward, the front wheels extend away from the base, creating a lower profile for the rider as they tilt forward towards the ground. As an interesting touch the helmet is pneumatically attached to the vehicle, lowering and raising as required.
The designer figures that the vehicle could go as fast as 75 mph (0-60 in 3 seconds) with a recharge time of only 15 minutes. The vehicle is all concept at this point, but it would be interesting to see it in action.
Aloha from the Beach
