Virtual coffee: IoT for cycling

Put the kettle on and join CENSIS for a catch up over a virtual coffee and connect with other companies, researchers and stakeholders working in the same space.

Led by CENSIS Business Development Manager Rachael Wakefield, this week’s coffee break looks at IoT in cycling. This week we’re delighted to welcome Danny Cowe of the Mountain Bike Centre for Scotland to join Rachael as co-host. Danny will give us an introduction to some of the challenges and opportunities in the space and participate in the discussion.

The format

The coffee break takes place online using Zoom. There’s no charge and participants can join using audio or video. Numbers are capped at a level that allows everyone to take part on the day. If you sign up, we strongly encourage you to join the conversation either to give us your thoughts, discuss examples of what’s happening in the sector, or ask questions.

The subject

When we think of ‘smart’ transport, often the first thing that comes to mind are motor vehicles such as connected freight or autonomous cars; however IoT is beginning to be used in cycling too. From managing the final leg of an online shopping order on a cargo bike, to offering new products to outdoor adventurers on mountain bike trails, smart systems and IoT technologies are beginning to play a part in this sustainable and active mode of transport.

This discussion could touch all types of cycling – for road, mountain trails, and cargo/delivery Use cases for IoT in cycling might include:

• Public transport partnerships: Public transport often doesn’t take us exactly where we need to go, walking may not be the most convenient option, or we just don’t have easy access to a car or parking space. Choosing cycling (perhaps on a bike or e-bike) within a MaaS (Mobility as a Service) framework may help people to move around city or town.
• Last mile deliveries: the use of cargo bikes or e-bikes to support freight deliveries and transport logistics. These new transport modes could be used in urban areas to help meet emissions targets.
• The connected self (and product security): New IoT services and devices for cyclists are appearing all time, e.g., phone charging on the go, safety features, navigation, or intelligence-based systems to track ride performance. The cyber and data security of these devices is a fundamental part of the product development lifecycle.
• Leisure and commuting: IoT innovation within sport, commuting or leisure cycling be used to monitor land use, improve trail developments, support urban planning, and promote cycling tourism.
• Asset management: sensing technology for condition monitoring of bikes, providing alerts or notifications for services and maintenance

Please register via Eventbrite. The Zoom link will be emailed to participants a few days before the call takes place.

Our virtual coffees are very popular and we often have a waiting list, so if you sign up but can’t make it on the day, please let us know so we can release your place to someone else.