Piaggio Fast Forward develops new sensor tech for two-wheeler safety

The Piaggio Group’s Boston-based robotics arm Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF) has announced development of a new path-breaking safety technology.

Founded in 2015 by the Piaggio Group, PFF has previously focused on advancing innovation in smart following technology and smart behaviour implementation in robots and machines. In a strategic decision last year, it began developing a custom radar sensor module for use first in Piaggio Group motorcycles and scooters with an aim to provide the technology to other companies in the future.

PFF’s hardware-software modules are claimed to offer superior safety by providing robust monitoring in all environmental and lighting conditions. PFF awarded a supply contract for the modules’ Radar-on-Chip (RoC) to Israel-based Vayyar Imaging, marking the deployment of the industry's first-ever 4D imaging radar-based motorcycle safety platform. The complete sensor package has been developed, built and supplied by PFF for mass production in Piaggio Group motorcycles’ Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).

According to the company, ARAS applications are on the front line of the battle to prevent collisions and protect motorcycle riders. The technology meets the rigorous technological requirements of traditional driver assist functions, addressing additional motorcycle-specific challenges such as size constraints and seamless vehicle manoeuvrability at high-tilt angles.

The PFF modules use Vayyar’s mmWave 4D imaging RoC sensor, enabling multiple ARAS functions such as Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Forward Collision Warning (FCW) with a single sensor supporting a range of over 100m, and an ultra-wide field-of-view. PFF robots incorporating the radar technology are expected to be released at the end of 2021, with Piaggio Group motorcycle models equipped with the PFF sensor module launching in 2022.

Greg Lynn, CEO, Piaggio Fast Forward, said: “PFF is creating advanced technology products for robots and motorcycles that detect and measure objects in our surroundings to provide the information we need for mapping, object detection, and control, regardless of lighting, weather and other environmental factors. We have chosen to develop our sensing applications with Vayyar’s 4D imaging radar technology. We are excited to work with such a professional, passionate team, to develop innovative new solutions that provide our customers with a better product experience.”

Vayyar says its 4D imaging radar technology being used in both PFF robots and PFF sensing modules developed for the motorcycle industry supports a large Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables ultra-high resolution point cloud imaging for holistic monitoring of a robot’s and a vehicle’s surroundings. The high-performance sensor incorporates sophisticated single-chip 4D imaging radar technology, featuring an ultra-wide field of view (both in azimuth and elevation) with no dead zones, detecting and tracking multiple targets. Its small form-factor is engineered to address the unique challenges of motorcycle and robotics design.

Ilan Hayat, director – Business Development, Vayyar Imaging: “We’re very excited to partner with PFF, who are at the forefront of sensor technology, both in terms of harmonisation with rider experience on two- and three-wheeled products, as well as application in their innovative robots. Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big step forward in reducing their risk of collision. Regardless of vehicle type, rider safety should not be compromised, and by partnering with PFF we are thrilled to deliver an automotive standard of safety to motorcycles.”

Also read: Interview: Ian Podkamien: 'A single Vayyar sensor can easily provide 10-15 different elements to a carmaker,  which results in huge savings.'