In Berlin at Reload Land, THE PACK attended a presentation by Sebastian Martinez, Design & Innovation Lead at BRP, who discussed the inspiration and technical challenges they faced while developing the Pulse and the Origin from Can-Am Motorcycles. Following this, Younes Mohammadi and Jumoke Fernandez led an individual try-out and workshop on designing with AI. Guy Salens: “Not my cup of tea, I admit, but I soon found myself fascinated by the potential of AI. So, I plunged into exploring this new technology to discover the benefits it might offer for designing electric motorbikes.”

As electric motorcycles become more popular on city streets, off-road paths, and in different motorcycle sport tournaments, a different kind of transformation is occurring in the background. Artificial Intelligence (AI), which was once limited to science fiction and research facilities, is now revolutionizing the design, engineering, and optimization of electric motorbikes.

Artificial intelligence has already made significant strides in the automotive industry. With Tesla’s adaptive systems and BMW’s design improvements fueled by data, AI is redefining limits. However, motorcycles, especially electric models, offer a unique opportunity. Their smaller size, requirement for precision, and emphasis on energy efficiency make them ideal candidates for innovations powered by AI.

The Rise of AI in Vehicle Design

AI has already made waves in the automotive world. From Tesla’s self-learning systems to BMW’s data-driven design enhancements, artificial intelligence is pushing boundaries. But motorcycles—particularly electric ones—present a different kind of canvas. Their compact size, demand for precision, and need for energy efficiency make them perfect candidates for AI-driven innovation.

Electric motorcycles gain a lot from this synergy. Since they have fewer moving parts compared to internal combustion models, they are mechanically simpler. This allows AI to concentrate more on enhancing performance, design, and user experience.

How AI is reshaping electric motorbike design

Generative design: letting algorithms innovate the frame

Generative design employs AI to examine numerous design variations according to specific objectives like weight, strength, material limitations, and manufacturing techniques. Engineers can use different tools to set these constraints, and the AI then generates frame designs that appear almost organic—both minimal and robust, optimized in ways that might be beyond human creativity. In the realm of electric motorcycles, where each gram impacts range, this technology is revolutionary. Frames can be made lighter without compromising durability, leading to extended battery life and improved handling.

Battery optimization and thermal management

The arrangement of batteries goes beyond merely stacking cells; it involves achieving balance, effective cooling, and ensuring safety. Artificial intelligence assists engineers in simulating and refining the placement of battery packs to enhance weight distribution, maintain thermal efficiency, and avoid hotspots. Sophisticated simulations forecast heat movement during acceleration, braking, or rapid charging, enabling proactive design adjustments. The outcome is batteries that are safer, more durable, and feature smarter packaging within the bike frame.

Aerodynamics by simulation

In the past, wind tunnel testing was the standard approach to enhancing a bike’s aerodynamic design. Today, AI-powered computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations offer ‘virtual wind tunnels,’ allowing designers to evaluate countless bodywork variations in just hours. This innovation aids in crafting electric motorcycles that perfectly balance aesthetics and performance—improving speed and range while minimizing drag and turbulence, even at slower speeds.

Human-centric design and personalization

AI is revolutionizing the customization of bikes for individual riders. By examining riding posture, feedback, and biometric data, designers can leverage AI to enhance ergonomics, adjust seat height, and refine control interfaces. Some startups are exploring the use of AI to personalize dashboards and displays based on a rider’s behavior, providing intelligent Human-Machine Interface (HMI) configurations that adapt to different scenarios—whether it’s navigating city streets, enjoying dynamic weekend rides, or optimizing energy during commutes.

Challenges and Considerations

While AI unlocks stunning new possibilities, it also raises some questions:

• Who owns AI-generated designs? Intellectual property laws are still catching up to algorithm-generated products.
• What about creativity? There’s concern that AI might limit human design expression—but many see it instead as a co-creator that augments creativity.
• Reliability and trust: AI-generated components still need rigorous real-world testing, especially for safety-critical parts like frames and braking systems.

Looking Forward: smarter, lighter, more intuitive rides

Envision a near future where a motorcycle adapts to your riding style and evolves over time, not only in its performance but also in its design. We are moving towards a reality where AI collaborates in the creation of electric motorbikes tailored to each individual rider, taking into account factors like terrain, commuting habits, and personal tastes. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or a sustainability-focused commuter, AI could customize your bike to meet your needs.

For smaller manufacturers and innovative garage creators, AI also provides a level playing field. There’s no longer a requirement for large research and development teams; AI-driven tools can simulate, refine, and enhance a design in a matter of days instead of months.

Conclusion

Electric motorcycles are already a departure from the norm, offering a shift towards more sustainable and efficient transportation. Now, artificial intelligence is enhancing this transformation by aiding in the creation of bikes that are lighter, more intelligent, safer, and better attuned to the needs of riders. As the partnership between electric power and smart technology expands, we are not only moving towards a more environmentally friendly future but also towards a more intelligent one.

THE PACK meets AI

Guy: “Younes from YM Studio requested that I sketch a motorbike using a few simple lines. Once I uploaded the sketch into the program, I had to craft a prompt to transform the drawing into a photorealistic render. Here, you can see the outcome: my first electric motorbike created with just a few words.”

About YM Studio

Younes Mohammadi lives and works in Berlin, where he merges traditional and digital art styles. With an Iranian father and a German mother, his artwork is a unique blend of cultural influences. Initially educated in painting, Mohammadi later ventured into digital generative art, fusing these methods to craft pieces that delve into the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

His work has been displayed at renowned locations like Kühlhaus Berlin, Bonnefantenmuseum in Maastricht, and Reinbeckhallen in Berlin. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Mohammadi has a business background with a solid grounding in design and technology. His creations reflect his continuous exploration of cultural fusion and artistic expression in modern settings.

About Jumoke

Jumoke Fernandez is a self-taught creative fueled by her passion for blending design with the latest technology. Her varied experience spans gaming, augmented reality, blockchain, and entertainment, offering her a distinctive viewpoint in her work. She focuses on crafting digital art for mobile games and entertainment apps, fully engaging with each project’s narrative and style, whether seamlessly incorporating her creations into existing universes or inventing entirely new ones.

Beyond her creative endeavors, she is committed to mentoring others by lecturing at educational institutions and creating platforms to support aspiring creatives. Dedicated to ethical and sustainable approaches, she envisions a future where AI complements rather than replaces human creativity, championing transparency and inclusivity in its usage.