Riders often feel anxious about approaching traffic, as they cannot see what is happening behind them. While radar-equipped bike lights have offered some reassurance, a small startup in the USA is taking rear-vision safety to a whole new level with artificial intelligence (AI).
The experimental bike light developed by this startup features a built-in camera and tiny computer that uses AI to analyze the video feed and predict the behavior of cars approaching from behind. Unlike traditional radar devices, this innovative light can not only identify cars, bikes, and pedestrians but also provide audibly alerts to riders about cars “following,” “approaching,” and “overtaking.”
In addition to warning riders, the light can issue visual warnings to drivers who are approaching too closely or too quickly. For those who want a comprehensive view of the road behind them, the light can send visual notifications and a simplified rear road-view to a connected smartphone. The light also has the capability to record 1080p video and tag “close calls” and “incidents” from a paired phone.
Although the light offers significant advancements in safety, there are a few drawbacks. The lights-camera-computer unit is relatively heavy at 330 grams and measures 92 x 95 x 35mm, making it more bulky compared to other options on the market. The battery life is limited to five hours, and due to its weight, the light hangs from the saddle rail.
Despite these limitations, the first production run of these lights sold out within 24 hours, priced at $400 each. The system, called Copilot, was developed by two young PhD engineers with expertise in robotics and machine learning. The development process involved collecting a large amount of data from riding on different road types and analyzing interactions with vehicles. The company also enlisted the help of a beta-testing group of Pittsburgh cyclists, who were given free prototype units to test.
One of the main challenges faced during development was fitting the camera, LEDs, electronics, and battery pack into a compact and lightweight package. The device needed to be powerful enough to run AI neural networks while maintaining a low power drain to enable longer bike rides.
The company behind Copilot believes that the light appeals to a wide range of cyclists, including parents and spouses who want to ensure the safety of their loved ones. The light offers an added layer of protection on the road, giving peace of mind to those who care about the well-being of cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the AI bike light work?
The AI bike light uses a built-in camera and tiny computer to analyze the video feed and predict the behavior of approaching cars. It can identify cars, bikes, pedestrians, and issue audible and visual warnings to both riders and drivers.
2. What are the drawbacks of the AI bike light?
The AI bike light is relatively heavy at 330 grams and has a bulky size. Its battery life is limited to five hours, and it hangs from the saddle rail.
3. Who developed the AI bike light?
The AI bike light was developed by a small startup in the USA, founded by two young PhD engineers with expertise in robotics and machine learning.
4. Who can benefit from the AI bike light?
The AI bike light appeals to various types of cyclists, including parents and spouses who want to enhance the safety of their loved ones on the road.
5. How can the AI bike light aid in recording incidents?
The AI bike light can record 1080p video and tag “close calls” and “incidents” from a connected smartphone, providing valuable evidence in case of accidents or near misses.
Riders often feel anxious about approaching traffic, as they cannot see what is happening behind them. While radar-equipped bike lights have offered some reassurance, a small startup in the USA is taking rear-vision safety to a whole new level with artificial intelligence (AI).
The experimental bike light developed by this startup features a built-in camera and tiny computer that uses AI to analyze the video feed and predict the behavior of cars approaching from behind. Unlike traditional radar devices, this innovative light can not only identify cars, bikes, and pedestrians but also provide audibly alerts to riders about cars “following,” “approaching,” and “overtaking.”
In addition to warning riders, the light can issue visual warnings to drivers who are approaching too closely or too quickly. For those who want a comprehensive view of the road behind them, the light can send visual notifications and a simplified rear road-view to a connected smartphone. The light also has the capability to record 1080p video and tag “close calls” and “incidents” from a paired phone.
Although the light offers significant advancements in safety, there are a few drawbacks. The lights-camera-computer unit is relatively heavy at 330 grams and measures 92 x 95 x 35mm, making it more bulky compared to other options on the market. The battery life is limited to five hours, and due to its weight, the light hangs from the saddle rail.
Despite these limitations, the first production run of these lights sold out within 24 hours, priced at $400 each. The system, called Copilot, was developed by two young PhD engineers with expertise in robotics and machine learning. The development process involved collecting a large amount of data from riding on different road types and analyzing interactions with vehicles. The company also enlisted the help of a beta-testing group of Pittsburgh cyclists, who were given free prototype units to test.
One of the main challenges faced during development was fitting the camera, LEDs, electronics, and battery pack into a compact and lightweight package. The device needed to be powerful enough to run AI neural networks while maintaining a low power drain to enable longer bike rides.
The company behind Copilot believes that the light appeals to a wide range of cyclists, including parents and spouses who want to ensure the safety of their loved ones. The light offers an added layer of protection on the road, giving peace of mind to those who care about the well-being of cyclists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How does the AI bike light work?
The AI bike light uses a built-in camera and tiny computer to analyze the video feed and predict the behavior of approaching cars. It can identify cars, bikes, pedestrians, and issue audible and visual warnings to both riders and drivers.
2. What are the drawbacks of the AI bike light?
The AI bike light is relatively heavy at 330 grams and has a bulky size. Its battery life is limited to five hours, and it hangs from the saddle rail.
3. Who developed the AI bike light?
The AI bike light was developed by a small startup in the USA, founded by two young PhD engineers with expertise in robotics and machine learning.
4. Who can benefit from the AI bike light?
The AI bike light appeals to various types of cyclists, including parents and spouses who want to enhance the safety of their loved ones on the road.
5. How can the AI bike light aid in recording incidents?
The AI bike light can record 1080p video and tag “close calls” and “incidents” from a connected smartphone, providing valuable evidence in case of accidents or near misses.
For more information about the development of AI technology in various industries, you can visit TechRadar. They cover the latest trends and advancements in the tech industry, including AI applications.
The source of the article is from the blog aovotice.cz