This is a weird and random question, I know, but do you remember the Zoids? I’m asking because every time I learn about a new Yamaha MOTOROiD:Λ evolution, there’s some Pavlovian response buried deep inside my brain that gets triggered. this initial topic To start playing in my mind.
Everyone. alone. Time. Maybe it’s just me? Or maybe not.
Anyway, you can choose whether or not you listen to this excerpt while you read it; Its all up to you. I, I think it fits the subject matter, mainly because the Yamaha MOTOROiD program is, and I will quote Yamaha here, “designed to learn and evolve autonomously by showing the process of its development – including its failures. It aims to create a new mobility in which people and machines share time with each other while learning and growing.”
But wait; There is so much more! This all comes from a press release that Yamaha issued to announce that it has won another Red Dot Design Award, this time for its latest design concept in the MOTOROiD program (we’re now relying on MOTOROiD: Λ, if you’re playing at home), which I think is important context to keep in mind when digesting the next line.
This vision is realized through three key elements: AI-based reinforcement learning, a design and colors that also accept failure as a value, and a chassis that is engineered to enable movements that go beyond imagination.
I’m going to guess that it’s not just Yamaha that is proud that its MOTOROiD:Λ can probably play rhythm games with you at home. Why? Because a few lines below, Yamaha says that, “Through MOTOROiD:Λ, Yamaha is proposing a new perspective on motor durables in which products acquire greater value over time through long-term collaboration.”
Not disposable; And certainly, this doesn’t sound like any kind of planned obsolescence. Instead, it means a moto robot Friend. A long-term robot companion that you grow and adapt with.
Isn’t this the natural evolution and progression of the many, many, many, many anime and manga series that have been going on for decades? I know this is mixing my imaginary metaphors here, thus potentially crossing stupid streams in a way that can’t be crossed, but it’s almost kind of… cool? I mean, as long as it doesn’t inadvertently introduce a third effect….
Anyway, congratulations to Yamaha, plus a question for all of you: will MOTOROiD:Λ or its successor get to the point where it can ride the Yamaha R1 on its own? If it does, can it be considered a Yamaha Conception? As always, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
