Will jet propulsion save an accident in the future?

In a story that looks like an April Fools but is actually 100% genuine, Bosch have shown a new safety system that they are researching that could help prevent accidents. And it uses jet propulsion!

Should you hit a patch of gravel or wet leaves on the road when you are cornering, your tyres will lose grip and slip sideways as the lateral force is reduced. Bosch have looked at this form of accident and worked out that to correct the slide the bike needs some kind of additional external lateral force to literally push the tyres back into the tarmac – and they are looking at providing this through a jet of compressed gas!

Under the banner ‘Sliding Mitigation research project’ Bosch have tested a bike fitted with a sensor that detects sideways slip. When this is detected, it fires a jet of compressed gas from an accumulator unit not dissimilar to a car’s airbag. The jet force is channelled through a nozzle with the reverse thrust keeping the motorcycle on track. And if you don’t believe us, here is a video of it in action!