The Ghostrider Robot (aka Dexterit), an entrant to the upcoming "Grand Challenge" race sponsored by DARPA, is an autonomous self-balancing robotic motorcycle.
Science fiction fans may remember the smart bike in Bruce Sterlings 1998 novel Distraction, which he describes as having onboard steering and balance systems. And why should you work harder at having a two-wheeled vehicle?
"Single track (two wheel) vehicles cost less, are more efficient and can traverse more extreme environments because they only have conform to the terrain in one axis.
For these reasons, two wheeled vehicle are the second most common means of locomotion for humans, second only to walking!"
Update 09-Jul-2007: Why I'm updating this old article, I have no idea. However, I found this cool explanatory video - enjoy!
BTW, all the links below have disappeared. End Update.
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Illustrating Classic Heinlein With AI
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Deflector Plasma Screen For Drones ala Star Wars
'If the enemy persists in attacking or even intensifies their power, the density of the plasma in space will suddenly increase, causing it to reflect most of the incoming energy like a mirror.'