Jake Loniak is a college junior; he's also the inventor of one of the most innovative concept vehicles we've seen in ages. Inside: the electric exoskeleton motorcycle and an exclusive video of the beast in action
The transportation program at the Art Center College of Design has produced legendary car designers, including BMW chief of design Chris Bangle and Henrik Fisker, the creator of the Fisker Karma electric supercar. But this year, after professor Bumsuk Lim’s inaugural motorcycle-design class, the buzz is all about bikes, especially Jake Loniak’s exoskeleton motorcycle concept Deus Ex Machina.
At Ease: Once the bike is parked, the rider can strap it on like a suit. Nick Kaloterakis; design © Jake Loniak at Art Center College of Design; no reproduction or redistribution without prior written consent
Actually, to call Deus a “motorcycle” is a bit of a stretch. It would stand vertically when parked, so that the rider can step in and strap the bike on like a full-body suit. A computer would interpret the rider’s body movements, translate those into directional commands for the motorcycle, and steer the bike using 36 pneumatic muscles (artificial muscles made by the German company Festo that inflate or deflate to change the direction). “It’s like riding two skateboards at once, but stable, because the machine supports the rider’s body,” Loniak explains. These two skateboards, however, would be powered by lithium-ion batteries and ultracapacitors and capable of hitting 75 mph. “I never envisioned this as a commuter,” he says. “This is a sport bike.”
WHAT’S NEXT
Deus exists only in a few deceptively realistic computer illustrations, but Loniak is confident that it can be built. “I believe a working prototype could be made, but it would take a great deal of time and engineering,” he says. The basic technology already exists; the Watertown, Massachusetts, start-up A123 is already selling the lithium-ion batteries Loniak wants to use, and a number of companies are developing ultracapacitors for electric cars and hybrids. “This isn’t fantasy,” he says. “It’s a green vehicle, and all of the numbers are based in the real world.”
Video by Jake Loniak.
The concept is definately cool, im not sure about the full exposure to the road though. debry that can be kicked up by the tires lying in front of you could cause some serious bodily damage. And scubasteve, any motorcyclist hit by a redlight runner is toast...Just some small obstacles this concept has to overcome. Working with teslamotors im sure they could even up the speed and energy effiency of the bike. but hey I WANT 2 TOO!
I don't think I'll ever see someone actually driving this thing around town. In fact, most people would probably think that it is unsafe!
I ride a sportbike. So I'd give it a shot and if I wanted to pick up the ladies I could just ride naked or strap on a saddle. Yee haw! Lay down and ride… stand up and ride! it's the ultimate two up deal my man. No stearing wheel, handlebars or tank in the way. Sweet! Just remember to always ride safe and wear the proper protection!
I also ride a sportbike and I think this would be an awesome experience! It would be like flying. As far as safety goes I think it would be better than my bike in a collision. In a T-bone the first thing to get hit is my legs at least on this it would be the wheel. And the same goes for a head on collision. Debris is a non-issue. Haven't you ever seen people wear a wife beater, shorts, and sandals on a bike? I think they have a few loose screws in the head though! Shoulder checking would be an issue that would have to be fixed. Why do we care so much about safety any way? Who over 40 wore a seat belt when they were a kid? You cant prevent all injuries unless you live in a bubble.
I want one but have a feeling it will be WAY too much for me to afford.
This is a nice IDEA. In practice anything(sign, etc.) that fit between the "legs" would crush your skull in an accident. Also agree that any flying debris would be directed toward the drivers body. A regular bike will block some of it.
As I see it all you have to do is flip the rider over correct for ergo and you'll have as much protection as any other bike. I would ignore ignorance Mr. Loniak. Mad props < out
D
I think its awesome, and I don't ride anything. I would never buy one, but I would line up in Disneyland's Future land to try it out a couple laps. (That's what I did for the Segway and its awesome) I do see the vulnerability to b\debris being an issue, however not from the tires of the bike I'm riding, if you notice there is no wheel underneath or in front of the rider, they are to the side and behind. For safety measures I would say to keep it on the race track, not on a public road. Not because I don't trust the engineering of the bike, but because I don't trust the drivers around me one bit.
Awesome... the look it gives when accelerating reminds me of a cross between Tron's lightcycles and Superman. I cant even imagine the skimming across the ground feeling suspended by a few straps, but I would love to try it!!!
Mike
ElMoto.net - the electric motorcycle information network
i see something a little different being more practical,
instead of being held up by straps, lay down on it, and be positioned on the other side, or have something on both sides and sort of stand in the middle so you can lay down on it at high speeds and it offers frontal protection