Riding high on a great idea

29 Jul 2015 - 15:23:46 in Research
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Cycling is an increasingly popular way of getting around in New Zealand. However, in 2013 alone, eight cyclists died, 171 were seriously injured and 646 suffered minor injuries in police-reported crashes on New Zealand roads( Ministry of Transport, Cyclist Crash Facts).

Michael Baird, who is studying for a BE(Hons), is hoping to discover how cyclists can lower the inherent risks of being less protected and less visible than the motor vehicles they share the road with. His Honours project involves developing a sensor system that integrates multiple sources of data inputs to improve rider safety—and enjoyment.

A keen cyclist himself, Michael says the idea for the project came about while he was out riding with his brother. “I asked him what sort of data he’d find useful to make cycling a safer and more fun experience, then I compared his ‘wish list’ with the features of the products that are on the market now.” He says that although today’s products provide basic, mostly fitness-related information such as speed, heart rate and cadence (how fast you spin the pedals as you ride), his focus is on developing a product that gives cyclists the information they need to feel safer on the road, including alerts to problems or faults with their bikes.

Such information will include the real-time status of both bike and rider (for example, speed, condition of brakes and cycling characteristics), that will be provided via a set of on-bike sensors that communicate with an on-bike controller.

Michael will also look at integrating multiple modes of sensory information (including one of the world’s biggest networks, Google Maps) that will enable warnings to be given to riders about difficult terrain ahead, or whether they are approaching a junction too fast. Proximity sensors will also warn riders that they are approaching or being approached by another vehicle too closely.

Improved safety is Michael’s primary goal, but he also plans to include data that will increase enjoyment for recreational or competitive cyclists, together with “some route planning features that will recommend roads to take and speeds to ride at, based on current conditions.“

Michael’s supervisor, Professor Winston Seah, says he is delighted to see Michael thinking in such an innovative way.

“When I set a project, I don’t usually expect students to come up with their own novel idea to base it on, as Michael has. But when they do, and that idea involves solving a real-world problem, it makes the project that much more relevant for them.”

Michael concurs. “I’m really enjoying working on something I can relate to personally. Professor Seah is one of the top academics in the field of wireless sensor networking, so I feel very lucky to have him as one of my two supervisors.”

Michael’s current focus is on finishing the development of the project’s programming and electronics in time for testing and evaluation at the end of the year, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of taking it to market in the future. “It’s cool to think there’s a possibility that I might be able to build a business out of it!”

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