An innovative prototype presented at the Polytechnic of Turin
In recent days, VRM SPA group has successfully completed an ambitious project in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Turin and the University of Bologna, funded by the Emilia-Romagna Region, for the development of a dynamic control system for two-wheeled vehicles.
As part of projects co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, VRM SPA has developed a system for motorcycles, consisting of active suspensions that use predictive technology to anticipate road conditions and adapt suspension behaviour. The main objective was to increase the road safety of the vehicle and reduce environmental impact through regenerative technologies. Furthermore, a prototype vehicle equipped with all the technologies included in the project was assembled to facilitate communication and integration into a complex system.
A new milestone for the VRM group
“The result allowed us to set up and test a vehicle with active suspensions and a road surface vision camera, assisted by an electronic suspension control system that improves the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle and therefore driving safety,” commented technicians from VRM group. “It was a truly stimulating challenge that pushed our team to give their best. With this project, VRM enters the market for electronic suspension control systems“.
The vehicle was presented at the Polytechnic University of Turin during the “Towards the Sustainable Vehicle Era” workshop, attended by representatives from major Italian and European automotive companies.
The Project Description
Research and Development project for motorcycle technologies consisting of active suspensions using predictive technology to anticipate road conditions and adapt suspension behaviour. The system includes electromagnetic dampers, a 2D camera with artificial intelligence for detecting irregularities on the road surface, sensors for collecting on-road usage data, and a control unit for the entire system.
(Project cost approved: €3,600,000, Approved funding: €1,400,000)
Objectives
Introduce new predictive technologies with active functionalities that are efficient and sustainable, meeting the renewed needs of the motorcycle suspension market. The project is divided into four main realisation objectives: “Electromagnetic Cartridge,” “Camera and Predictive Functionality Software,” “Battery and Energy Management System for Charging and Discharging,” and “Control Unit (hardware and software) and Sensors.”
Results
Thanks to this project, functional prototypes of predictive cameras, electromagnetic energy recovery suspensions, and the electronic suspension control system for the vehicle have been developed. Additionally, a prototype vehicle with all the project technologies was assembled to facilitate communication and integration into a complex system. With this project, VRM enters the market of electronic suspension control systems.
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