WEIRD STUFF! ROBOTIC TEST RIDER TO REPLACE MXA WRECKING CREW? Our Orthopedic Surgeon Cries Foul; Publishers Sees Savings; Bikes Tested By Robots For Robots

WEIRD STUFF! ROBOTIC TEST RIDER TO REPLACE MXA WRECKING CREW
OUR ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON CRIES FOUL; PUBLISHERS SEES SAVINGS; BIKES TESTED BY ROBOTS FOR ROBOTS

Okay, maybe it won’t be replacing the opinions and input of human test riders, but Castrol has built a robotic test rider that can manage most types of motorcycles. While it can’t actually ride the bike, it can use the throttle, clutch, brakes and shift lever so that Castrol can study heat cycles of lubricants, clutch drag and throttle response. Unlike MXA, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and KTM test riders, the Castrol robot, named Flossie, tirelessly performs its tests in a stationary platform, with the level of precision only computerized robots can effectively ensure. Flossie, unbothered by noises, vibration or orders from the wife to be home at 5, provides digital feedback.

Developed exclusively for Castrol’s testing use, the robot might someday learn how to ride the bike in the real world, but we see a take-out move coming from any test riders that it puts out of work!