Simply being “smart” is obviously no longer enough for an e-bike in 2024. The US company Orbic presented an e-bike with 5G connectivity and AI obstacle detection at the MWC in Barcelona. In addition to cameras, the bike is equipped with a large display and fat tires.
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In the USA, Orbic has so far primarily sold smartphones, tablets, wearables and routers. The company has not yet appeared with e-bike expertise. The company wants to change that with the 5G bike. So far the bike has neither a name nor a specific launch date. According to the company, a market launch is planned at least for the USA. The manufacturer did not mention a price.
Cameras deliver live images
A rear-facing camera captures the action at a 140-degree angle of view and optionally displays what is filmed on the 7-inch handlebar display. Another 64-megapixel camera looks forward. According to Orbic, an AI analyzes the captured images and detects obstacles, which it warns of acoustically. It can also reduce the motor support. The bike cannot take any further measures to avoid accidents on its own.
The cameras are not only used to detect obstacles; in conjunction with the 5G internet connection, you can also stream your journeys live, according to Orbic. Another camera is built into the tablet-sized front display, which runs Android and is also used for navigation. You can use the bike for video calls if you want to put your fate in the hands of automatic obstacle detection. When you're on the move, the 5G bike can also be used as a hotspot – or as a sound system, as it also has a built-in loudspeaker. The idea of an e-bike that can do a little more is not new: Urtopia, Cowboy, Ampler and VanMoof, for example, equip their bikes with GPS or mobile communications, and some of them sound the alarm if thieves tamper with them or communicate via ChatGPT.
(rbr)