Verge launches the world’s first motorbike that can ‘see’

Verge Motorcycles said last year that it was developing its Starmatter platform to integrate some of the safety features available in cars. Now, it’s done just that. Announced at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, the electric superbike manufacturer has upgraded the TS Ultra model with Starmatter Vision, or what it calls ‘the sense of sight’.

Has the bike really got eyes? No, not unless you’re physically sticking on googly eyes. Instead, Starmatter Vision means a suite of six cameras and hi-res radars up front and out back. They give the bike the ability to keep the rider safer, according to the brand.

Fear not, there’s not a creepy ‘angel on your shoulder’ physically whispering via the power of Bluetooth (although the latter is a feature of the suite). Instead, the system works by assessing the environment around the rider and displaying any hazards or prompts on a shiny new interface called the Starmatter Dash. A rear-looking camera shows the image on the dash when the indicators are used, so riders can be more aware of dangers approaching from behind.

These upgrades are available immediately and customers with their TS Ultra on order are automatically getting the new package, all thanks to the remote updates also powered by Starmatter.

Verge reckons the whole system reduces the risks, which, for example, the helmet creates, such as dampening situational noise and inhibiting peripheral vision.

Marko Lehtimäki, chief of tech at Verge, said: “Verge is making riding even smarter and safer, for example by improving the rider’s ability to observe the environment and the functions of the bike with the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

"The TS Ultra’s new cameras combined with the software update announced today make it the world’s first motorcycle equipped with the sense of sight, advising the rider and acting as a ‘whisperer’ while riding," he added.