A Servo Rider for the Automatic and Remote Path Control of a Motorcycle

A servo rider consisting of an electromechanical controller to automatically steer and operate a motorcycle by remote control without the need for a human rider is described. The primary control loop involves roll angle feedback. The control laws were developed using analytical models of the motorcycle dynamics. Steering is accomplished by a DC motor coupled to the steering head. The brakes, clutch and gearshift are operated by pneumatic actuators. The controller is implemented using a digital control system. The servo rider has been installed and successfully operated on two different motorcycles.