Verge reveals advanced Starmatter tech | GRR
Verge Motorcycles has unveiled its new Starmatter Vision technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
The new tech, first announced back in November and what Verge has dubbed its ‘sense of sight’, sits on an updated version of the company’s TS Ultra, with its unique hubless rim motor offering 885 lb-ft of torque direct to the rear wheel.
Starmatter Vision works through a combination of six cameras and high resolution radars to read 360° of road all around the motorcycle, warning riders of potential hazards that they themselves may not be able to see, while the radars can spot vehicles up to 250 metres away. Machine learning and artificial intelligence will also help to predict the movements of other road users.
This is then relayed to the rider through the new Starmatter Dash, a dash display in addition to the large infotainment screen already found on TS Ultra models. The Starmatter Dash allows riders to access the bike’s essential features while riding, while the infotainment screen now provides additional information. When stationary, the larger infotainment screen becomes the main control centre of the motorcycle.
As well as traditional dashboard information, the Starmatter Dash relays imagery from Starmatter Vision. For example, when changing lanes on a motorway, the dash will show the relevant camera alongside your speed, so you are aware of the vehicles around you and can merge safely. The radars will also send alerts if cars are coming up at speed behind you, or if a vehicle ahead of you has had to slam on the brakes.
Starmatter Vision will come as standard on all new TS Ultra models, and Verge states that there will be more advancements to come through periodically via over-the-air updates. Prices remain the same, starting at around £35,000, despite the upgrades, and all existing orders will be automatically upgraded to include the new technology.