Energica working on a voice control system for motorcycles

ENERGICA is apparently looking at developing a voice-control system for its new motorcycles. 

Working with Cellularline and Alascom, the trio of Italian brands are working on a new way for bikers to interact with their bikes - with voice-activated functions on the motorcycle. 

Energica Eva - Living with the Eva

From our colleagues motorradonline.de, Giampiero Testoni, CTO (Chief Technology Officer or Technical Director) at Energica: 

"Thanks to this innovative communication system, the driver will be able to find information about his vehicle easily and without distraction while driving: Alascom uses artificial intelligence to guide you To create voice assistants that improve the motorcyclist's driving experience, with intuitive voice commands that aim to manage and control the essential functions of the motorcycle."

A voice-activated interface does already exist on motorcycles, with the Honda Smartphone Voice Control System as part of Honda RoadSync - and isn’t exactly new on cars - but is a step forward when it comes to tech on bikes. 

'Energica, initiate wheelie-sequence!'

Whilst I have my reservations, I’m not sure how clearly the bike will hear me screaming ‘view my battery level!’ at 70 mph through a helmet, it could certainly be handy at lower speeds, or setting up a motorcycle for travel.

Actions such as “turn off abs, turn on dirt mode, switch my phone to busy for the next hour” would certainly be useful. Not to mention we’re seeing far greater integration with smartphones in the latest motorcycles, Energica taking this step will no doubt have other manufacturers following suit.

Android Auto has been introduced on Africa Twin models, and Apple Carplay is on the horizon, it’s probably much safer to interact with voice commands than fiddling with switchgears and small TFT screens.