Developed by Boston-based subsidiary Piaggio Fast Forward (PFF), the sensor is claimed to be the motorcycle industry’s first ever 4D imaging radar-based platform and supports a range of more than 100m. It uses Vayyar Imaging’s mmWave 4D imaging Radar-on-Chip (RoC) sensor, which enables functions such as Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and Forward Collision Warning, all of which help make up Piaggio’s Advanced Rider Assistance Systems (ARAS).
According to Piaggio, the sensor module will be incorporated across the group’s many scooter and motorcycle brands - including Vespa, Gilera, and Aprilia – from 2022, while PFF robots with the radar technology are expected to be released by the end of 2021.
“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,” said Greg Lynn, CEO at Piaggio Fast Forward.
The Vayyar imaging technology used in both the robot and vehicle sensing modules supports a large Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) array that enables high resolution point cloud imaging. According to Vayyar, this enables an ultra-wide field of view both in azimuth and elevation with no dead zones, detecting and tracking multiple targets, and its small form-factor is designed specifically for the unique challenges of motorcycles and robotics.
“Motorcycle riders are among the most vulnerable road users, and this is a big step forward in reducing their risk of collision,” said Ilan Hayat, director of Business Development at Vayyar Imaging. “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.”
