«Chinese Google» Baidu designs a smart bike fitted with data-generating sensors

A navigation bar that offers riders the best routes to their destinations   is   integrated into the handlebar atop the bike’s black single-piece moulded chassis. Baidu is one of the largest web companies in China. The research wing of Chinese web services company Baidu is developing a smart bicycle   called Dubike that can generate its own electricity, in collaboration with the Industrial Design department at Tsinghua University (+ slideshow). Canadian company Vanhawks recently unveiled a smart bike that’s able to offer turn-by-turn directions to the rider, while another project in China proposed an electric bike that can be folded away and stored in a backpack. The business also offers a range of online services including a collaborative encyclopaedia and a discussion forum. Dubike was created as a joint effort between Baidu’s Institute of Deep Learning (IDL)   and the Artistic and Industrial Design departments at   Tsinghua University, Beijing. This software platform could be made available to other bike manufacturers. According to reports on   Yahoo   and Chinese website   36KR, the vehicle is also able to turn kinetic energy into electricity to power all of its electronic components using a hub in the rear wheel. It claims the Dubike will launch in China by the end of the year. It is most well known for its Chinese-language search engine, leading to it being commonly known as the «Chinese Google». Further information on the design, including its materials and weight, will be revealed when the bike goes on sale.