MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi races a ROBOT as Yamaha put their invention to the test

[RoterTeufel]

MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi races a ROBOT as Yamaha put their invention to the test

VALENTINO ROSSI faced off against an unusual opponent this week.

Yamaha have been working on a Motobot racing bike since 2015.

The company are now confident enough to put their creation to the test against some of the best real-life performers in the sport.

Nine-time MotoGP champion Rossi was chosen as the man they wanted the Motobot to beat in a lap around the track.

However, despite the best efforts of the machine, the bot was still about 30 seconds off Rossi's time.

But the fact it finished the lap will ensure Yamaha feel the exercise was a success.

The bike itself is unmodified from the factory.

The humanoid robot on top of the bike manipulates the stock controls.

Its six actuators are capable of shifting and speeding around a racetrack as its computer analyses the data in its entirety.

Yamaha wants to use machine learning to have the robot "learn" the best lines and approaches as it runs around the track, with the eventual goal being a robot that's capable of beating MotoGP stars.

The company believes the technology can one day be adapted to other modes of transportation.

Snowbikes and watercraft have been mentioned as other forms of travel that Yamaha may look at investing in.

Rossi returns to the MotoGP circuit, where unfortunately he will be facing humans once again, when the season continues in Valencia in two weeks time.