An innovative cycling computer: the story of Absolute Cycling
We are dedicated to helping companies innovate and develop groundbreaking products. Our collaboration with startup Absolute Cycling to create a smarter, more reliable, and affordable bicycle computer is a prime example of this commitment.
Harm Giesen, founder of Absolute Cycling, teamed up with Flanders Make to take on a specific challenge: generating accurate and reliable data for navigation, speed, gradient and altitude when cycling. Additional requirements were:
- Tackling even those circumstances where GPS signal is lost (eg. forests and tunnels)
- Using only consumer grade electronics and no additional bulky sensors.
Algorithms for an innovative bicycle computer
Bicycle computers typically rely on precisely positioned and calibrated sensors, making the installation process complex and not very user-friendly. Absolute Cycling aimed to enhance the accuracy of these devices, starting with integrating sensors equipped with an inertial measuring unit (IMU) for improved GPS positioning.
Recognizing the need for expert assistance in these sophisticated technical challenges, the Dutch company turned to us. Together, we engineered an advanced GPS positioning system using a Sensor Fusion Algorithm that capitalizes on data from the IMU sensors. The resulting "Absolute Positioning Technology" is capable of tracking a cyclist's location at all times, even when the GPS signal is lost. And because of "Absolute Altitude Technology", The One will become the best-performing cycling computer in the market; with the most accurate altitude and inclination measurement. This is data that cyclists value tremendously
Flanders Make emerged as a reliable partner because of its comprehensive expertise in sensor fusion, signal processing and the development of algorithms. They helped tackle our challenges.
From dream to reality
Our collaborative efforts have led to the creation of a new cycling specific algorithm that was validated and refined. This business case shows how research can take you from dream to reality. We were thrilled to support Harm Giesen in realizing his dream of creating the world's smartest cycling computer with:
- reliable data
- a minimalist and aerodynamic design
- a user-friendly experience