Another entry in the self-steering vehicles series: Sakai Industry Club network and Osaka Prefecture University have equipped bicycles with a stabilization system that can automatically adjust steering.

A sensor to detect the lean of the bicycle is placed under the seat. A device attached to the frame picks up signals from this sensor and automatically turns the handlebars in the right direction. For example, if the bicycle is about to fall over to the right, the handlebars are adjusted to the left. The sensor enables slight adjustments to be made at an early stage to maintain balance.

For safety reasons, the automatic correction function is designed to turn off when a certain amount of resisting force is applied to the handlebars.

The developers are hoping to market the bicycles to elderly people and aim to start manufacturing them by spring.

Via MSN Mainichi.

Don’t miss designboom picture report of the Tokyo bike show:, They also have specials on folding bikes, tall bikes and weird bicycles (includes the lawn mower bike!)