The transportation program at the Art Center College of Design has produced legendary car designers, including BMW chief of design Chris Bangle and Henrik Fisker, the creator of the Fisker Karma electric supercar. But this year, after professor Bumsuk Lim’s inaugural motorcycle-design class, the buzz is all about bikes, especially Jake Loniak’s exoskeleton motorcycle concept Deus Ex Machina.

Deus exists only in a few deceptively realistic computer illustrations, but Loniak is confident that it can be built. “I believe a working prototype could be made, but it would take a great deal of time and engineering,” he says. The basic technology already exists; the Watertown, Massachusetts, start-up A123 is already selling the lithium-ion batteries Loniak wants to use, and a number of companies are developing ultracapacitors for electric cars and hybrids. “This isn’t fantasy,” he says. “It’s a green vehicle, and all of the numbers are based in the real world.”
Video by Jake Loniak.
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Cool concept vehicle. Imagine the following unexpected items in the drivers path (assuming the driver is male, and has lost control of the vehicle)
Utility Pole
Road Sign
Parked Car
Fire Hydrant
Cactus
from Las Vegas, Nevada
I've never seen those things are racetracks.
“I never envisioned this as a commuter,” he says. “This is a sport bike.”
I'm pretty sure most people would stay away from them because of the dangers. Kind of like with regular bikes.
That looks pretty cool. Very futuristic.
Cannot picture anyone riding it though, simply due to the body positioning. Moving between horizontal and vertical depending on speed. Not to say it would not happen though.
Knowledge is not information, it is transformation. ~ Osho ~
So far, looking cool and being electric with fancy pneumatic servos are the only things going for this contraption. By the way, does it come with a body, I mean, an air bag?
None of you ride a motorcycle do you? I would be the first in line to get on of these if they started mass producing them. My only complaint would be that it is not fast enough.
4 out of 5 of you have lost your minds, this is the best thing since the last best thing. I need 2 of them!
I agree with Ogremk3, not just for the men but for all, if you're flying at any speed, and an idiot runs a red light, you're toast.
Cool concept, not practical at all... cool, but worthless
from HazelPark, Michigan
WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!! That's kool If I had the money to buy that ahsome bike I would it right now.
I just can't see it, and I love riding motorcycles. Looks like you'd be uncomfortable, it would handle like cr*p, and it would be even less safe than a regular bike. Can you even turn your head to see the back and sides?
Probably wouldn't be too fast -- which is a good thing.
I also don't understand the purpose for the droid cables going into the helmet.
Since when is a 140-180 mph motorcycle practical? It's not, but they're all over the road and will continue to be a part of the riding culture. And the reason is obvious - THEY'RE FUN!
As an avid motorcyclist and 3D artist I find the model very interesting. I have to admit that it does not seem like a practical vehicle with even more limitations than current motorcycles (only one rider) and looks like it will take up as much parking space or more than the average bike; however, I'll take two as well. This is not a vehicle to revolutionize transportation, its to make it a hell of a lot more fun!
Instead of riding a bike you become part of the bike. You have to admit, that has got to be one cool ride! Once again, sign me up. There is one element lacking and that is some form of body armor for the rider. Debris on the road (even pebbles and dirt) at moderate to high speeds can be projectiles. And a little something to lean on (instead of hanging from a harness) would improve the comfort level. You skydivers know what I'm talking about. Kudos to the designer and shame on you critics who see light posts, cacti and road signs as "unforseen objects". I would hate to drive anywhere near you.
The concept is definately cool, im not sure about the full exposure to the road though. debry that can be kicked up by the tires lying in front of you could cause some serious bodily damage. And scubasteve, any motorcyclist hit by a redlight runner is toast...Just some small obstacles this concept has to overcome. Working with teslamotors im sure they could even up the speed and energy effiency of the bike. but hey I WANT 2 TOO!
I don't think I'll ever see someone actually driving this thing around town. In fact, most people would probably think that it is unsafe!
I ride a sportbike. So I'd give it a shot and if I wanted to pick up the ladies I could just ride naked or strap on a saddle. Yee haw! Lay down and ride… stand up and ride! it's the ultimate two up deal my man. No stearing wheel, handlebars or tank in the way. Sweet! Just remember to always ride safe and wear the proper protection!
I also ride a sportbike and I think this would be an awesome experience! It would be like flying. As far as safety goes I think it would be better than my bike in a collision. In a T-bone the first thing to get hit is my legs at least on this it would be the wheel. And the same goes for a head on collision. Debris is a non-issue. Haven't you ever seen people wear a wife beater, shorts, and sandals on a bike? I think they have a few loose screws in the head though! Shoulder checking would be an issue that would have to be fixed. Why do we care so much about safety any way? Who over 40 wore a seat belt when they were a kid? You cant prevent all injuries unless you live in a bubble.
I want one but have a feeling it will be WAY too much for me to afford.
This is a nice IDEA. In practice anything(sign, etc.) that fit between the "legs" would crush your skull in an accident. Also agree that any flying debris would be directed toward the drivers body. A regular bike will block some of it.
As I see it all you have to do is flip the rider over correct for ergo and you'll have as much protection as any other bike. I would ignore ignorance Mr. Loniak. Mad props < out
D
I think its awesome, and I don't ride anything. I would never buy one, but I would line up in Disneyland's Future land to try it out a couple laps. (That's what I did for the Segway and its awesome) I do see the vulnerability to b\debris being an issue, however not from the tires of the bike I'm riding, if you notice there is no wheel underneath or in front of the rider, they are to the side and behind. For safety measures I would say to keep it on the race track, not on a public road. Not because I don't trust the engineering of the bike, but because I don't trust the drivers around me one bit.
Awesome... the look it gives when accelerating reminds me of a cross between Tron's lightcycles and Superman. I cant even imagine the skimming across the ground feeling suspended by a few straps, but I would love to try it!!!
Mike
ElMoto.net - the electric motorcycle information network
i see something a little different being more practical,
instead of being held up by straps, lay down on it, and be positioned on the other side, or have something on both sides and sort of stand in the middle so you can lay down on it at high speeds and it offers frontal protection
Best Idea since Sliced-Bread, I want one...with a few modifications of course...How can I get one? How can I get in communications with the designer?
Galgaloniel
What is wrong with you people, Jake came out with an innovative futuristic idea. Everyone is like, "what about stability, road hazards, etc..". This is not a bike for the casual rider, it's for the lunatic that wants to go to the very edge, live life to extreme levels. This concept coming from Mr. Loniak's mind does not surprise me one bit, it reflects how he used to live life when I knew him in the Marine Corp. Enjoy life while it lasts. Good job Jake.
Love it. Hope the guy gets it into production. This invention would make a great new sport when raced.
Clearly the designer doesn't rock climb. I ride AND rock climb and can tell you that a harness like that shown is not comfortable in any manner of wear when used for support. Should the bike lay down like shown for speed, it would be extremely uncomfortable to have your entire body supported on just the straps. Since I can't see any seat to speak of, I have to assume that in the vertical, the support for the rider's body comes from the two straps that run through the crotch. Having worn very well made climbing harnesses that do the same, such a setup is uncomfortable at best.
Don't get me wrong; I think this would be a cool thing to ride (wear?) but I also know it would be uncomfortable after only a few minutes in any of the positions shown.
Safety? Hell, I rock climb, parachute, and ride bikes. It's no more or less safe than the person using it.
Think "model-T" vs. today's automobiles, the more they make the better they will get, I want one and after that I will most likely want another one.
This is amaizing,awesome. Men kind did not evolved putting excuses on front of there future roads. They took there future by the horns and put it in a silver plate for us.
I'm willing to do so for the rest (if the price is right). I wish you luck and find a good builder for this master piece. Yep, work on the debris from the road that can be an issue, but also the video is hard to see went bike goes forward and does not leave much room for interpretation went come to how secure this can be.
There's many thing less secure than this out there all ready and the Earth did not stop moving.I recall my science teachers talking about things like this back in the 70's and to see it getting there is exiting. THANKS
Best regards, CgA.
This is as close to Doc Oc as you'll get.
I wish there were more progressive engineers that would make more stuff like this. I have only seen this kind of design work come from artist. Particularly from some role-playing games... me thinks video games are influencing scientist the way sci-fi movies/tv has inspired them in the past. I think there will always be a level of danger for any mode of transportation however. Can't live in fear all the time, but yeah body armor would be a good idea for those small rocks/projectiles. What if it wrapped around you and was part of the harness and sealed you in? Oh boy! Mini-Mecha! (^_^)!!!! Then you'd just need a nav system in the helmet and a dock for your ipod! LOL!!! too cool =)
It sounds like there are lots of close minded people. I think this is a very practical concept for those that ride motorcycles already. The risks are similar. The change in riding position is probably not geared towards high speed maneuvers. I would suggest some safety features installed to prevent user error causing un-desireable change of positions at high speed.
Cool!
I would buy one tomorrow if it was available. It looks like an excellent idea.
After the prototype is built then any defects can be resolved.
I think what everyone wants is a form of transportation that is "classy", cheap, compact and somewhat safe. Personally, I don't think it would ever work simply because it's too unsafe, it may look weird to some people, and you can't use it when the weather is bad. The price is probably going to kill your wallet too.
Sorry, I don't mean to put down your dream vehicle, but try to be more realistic and conventional. It's like you designed it in the spur of the moment.
I love the idea of new designs for transportation, the imagination and engineering behind it though. I'm very intrigued to see anything else you may have in mind!
AMAZING! where do i sign up to test drive one of these bad boys?
Assuming that this product will not malfunction and have you do a 300ft belly slide across the pavement at 90 mph, it sounds like an awesome idea. I think the safety is my main concern and it seems very easy to be stolen after it is parked somewhere. This would probably bring a whole new era of racing.
from new miford, CT
Dude that is INSANE!!! i want it.
from new miford, CT
seriously. mini mecha would be insane. i think it would be excellent to have the whole thing surrounding you in a protective shield and a nav helmet and all that stuff. do it!
Concerning the idea of debris is tough situation in itself without adding the idea of accident injury prevention. However as many stated before, riding a motorcycle is just as dangerous. Just a thought though. What if, instead of having the driver with his front uncovered, he were to step into the vehicle from behind so the debris and rocks kicked up would hit the frame of the bike? Then you could use the idea of a cover that locks you in from behind to protect you if you were to crash.
from Milton , DE
What a wonderful opertunity for organ doners. This will make it so much easier. Of course there will be some who just have to do this and the die-hards certianly will!
This concept is really great. I think this concept can be adapted to people missing legs and giving them a more confident stature and mobility.
from Atchison , Kansas
I have only known about this thing for about two weeks and I love this concept motorcycle. I am also working on searching for parts that would replace the high end custom designed parts and modifying it so it would be enclosed in a pod. Because I am not a rich man I would have to build my own rather than buy one. I would also like it to be able to lay down both forwards and backwards and be all wheel drive.
No doubt it is a cool machine. I can't think of too many roads that I would ride it on. Given the condition of most highways, Hi tech road-kill.
Since this was built as a sports/ recreational vehicle, it looks like a blast -- who wouldn't want to try that hovering or "flying" feeling in something like this? It wasn't built for commuter riding, after all. Those of you too scared to try something that might not appear safe at first glance would have held back the design of any motorized vehicle back in the day -- with attitudes like that, we'd still be riding ponies! Take the training wheels of your tricycles and consider an innovative design! This thing is an amazing concept. Let's see what it inspires in the next few years of motorcycles and green vehicles.
The center of gravity is WAY too high. Think about motorcycles rising up on one wheel when accelerating or breaking. Then multiply that by 10. If you really want to see someone do a face plant at 100 mph, this thing is for you!
After watching the video, this thing is just awesome! Although it looks a bit creepy with it's advanced robotic gaze, i think it would become successful.
from franklin, tn
What a neat machine. I wonder where my girl friend would ride. Makes me love my Harley even more.
This design exploits the concept of wheels and legs. Such exoskeletons need high fidelity force control. The idea is very cool and can take advantage of better force control actuators then pneumatic muscles. In particular it would be interesting to exploit passive dynamics in rough terrain locomotion.
To all you "nay-sayers":
I'd bet good money they said the same thing about the Wright brothers' invention, and yet, here we are.
Love it, but I think it would be best if fitted with wings so the wheels could be used for landing and taxiing. Thats the best measure against those lunatics preying on the adventurous at traffic lights. By the way, did you notice there is more armour on the back than the front?
from Moses Lake, WA
I was going to too say that as well, how about a handglider attachment!?
Also, i have to agree, some body armor would sure be nice, and i was also considering overall stability during the rainy seasons.
Chance Favors the Prepaired Mind...
---
Undersiege 2 - Dark Teritory
Ever since my friend died in the accident I started listening closer to one proverb that my father taught me once: “What Ever That’s in Between Your Legs is not the Way of Transportation”. Therefore I kind of like the design of the Wearable Motorcycle. It’s not in between your legs, it’s on your back. I would probably be a first one to try it.
Igor
http://www.WorldCheaper.com
Anyway, to the good part. It is good to see that companys are finaly seriously looking at this mode of energy transportation.
http://www.hedefnakliyat.com