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

It is most well known for its Chinese-language search engine, leading to it being commonly known as the «Chinese Google». Any information gleaned from the bike can be synchronised to a mobile device using Bluetooth, making this data available for analysis and for sharing on a specially designed social network. 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. This software platform could be made available to other bike manufacturers. An accompanying app will allow cyclists to measure their performance against preset fitness programmes, the results of which can also be shared on social media. It claims the Dubike will launch in China by the end of the year. Baidu is one of the largest web companies in China. Related story: Impossible Technology’s electric bicycle folds away into a backpackSensors distributed throughout the component parts of the   bicycle   collect data including pedalling frequency, heart rate, velocity, seating pressure and foot pressure. The business also offers a range of online services including a collaborative encyclopaedia and a discussion forum. 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. 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.