I don't see a need for it but then again that was probably said about automatic transmissions on cars. If they can make it work properly and it becomes an option on bikes and convinces some people to ride bikes then why not? As long as you can still choose manual shifting.

I can drive stick shift and I do enjoy it in some situations but hate it in traffic. Gotta try something a few times before you rule it out. I know a lot of people who would never drive a stick shift under any circumstance and to me based upon my experience with it they are missing out on a bunch of stick shift positive situations. But if auto shifting can be done right and converts some folks to riding bikes, then more power to it.