Samsung's Smart Bike prototype connects with your smartphone

Parikshit Vivekanand|Jun 13, 2014, 17:03:11 IST

Samsung has been working on projects to strike a balance between old and new technologies. The company's one such initiative under Samsung Maestro Academy is to bridge the gap between master artisans from Italy who have developed techniques of designing over many years and the younger generation who are equipped with the latest technology. It has now involved Italian maestro Giovanni Pelizzoli, a world famous frame builder and a young student from Samsung Maestro Academy named Alice Biotti in a project to build the world’s first smart bicycle.

The Smart Bike prototype has been built to protect the rider with the help of its safety components that can be controlled via Samsung smartphones. The curvy aluminum tube used in the frame is the reason for neutralization of dangerous vibrations to the body. It is also equipped with four laser beams that alert other larger vehicles passing by the bicycle. The bicycle is fitted with an integrated GPS system that informs local authorities about the lack of bicycle lanes on particular routes with just a tap on the screen. The Samsung Smart Bike is equipped with connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It is also fitted with Arduino module that helps it sense the surroundings. At the back end of the bicycle, right above the tyre and below the seat sits a camera which can be remotely operated through the phone that is docked on the handle bar. This feature helps the rider to look at traffic coming from behind, negating the need to turn around while riding. The bicycle's responsive safety environment mode detects ambient-conditions and protects the rider from potential dangers. For example, by switching the laser on or off, it beams according to the brightness sensor of the paired device. The design of the bicycle has elements of both the old and the new world and was presented with great success during the 2014 Milan Design Week. All in all, the Samsung Smart Bike is the outcome of two generations of innovation where preserving old ancient building techniques merge with new ones.