NXP, Riese & Müller: Smart system that protects cyclists
In the Cross Innovation Class, students worked with semiconductor manufacturer NXP and bicycle manufacturer Riese & Müller to develop a system to prevent dooring accidents.
The challenge
One of the most common causes of accidents in German city traffic are so-called "dooring accidents", cycling accidents caused by car doors - a reason for many people to leave their bikes in the basement. In order to further promote climate-friendly mobility and protect cyclists from accidents in the best possible way, it is therefore extremely important to make cycling safer through new technologies.
Output
The result is a functional prototype that warns cyclists in good time if a car door opens unexpectedly. The vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technology already installed in many new cars was used and implemented in the bicycle. Cars with the V2X function send a signal with parameters such as position and vehicle type to all neighbouring vehicles when a car door is opened. The bike with V2X can receive this information and then warn cyclists with visual and acoustic signals.
"The interaction between different scientific disciplines paired with agile companies creates a true culture of innovation. The format of the Cross Innovation Class is worth emulating in every respect."
"It was exciting to see how two companies from outside the industry and students from different disciplines face a challenge and have the ambition to solve a social problem."
Format & method
In the Cross Innovation Class, students from three to six different universities work in interdisciplinary teams on the practical challenges of the project partners.
- The process follows the logic of design thinking: in iterative feedback loops with the partners, the teams approach a solution step by step.
- The entire process is managed by the Cross Innovation Hub team and accompanied by trained facilitators.
- Prototypes can be created and tested in the workshops of the partner universities.
Cross Innovation Class #3 took place in the summer semester 2021 on the topic of Urban Tech/Smart City Solutions.
Photo credit: Riese & Müller
Our partner: NXP Semiconductors, Riese & Müller
About NXP Semiconductors
NXP develops semiconductors and system solutions that enable devices to perceive their environment, communicate with it and react intelligently. NXP's products are mainly used in the automotive, mobile, smart city, industrial, smart home and communication infrastructure sectors. With 29,000 employees worldwide, NXP is an important player in digitalisation.
About Riese & Müller
Riese & Müller is an innovative bicycle manufacturer with over 700 employees. The first innovation was created in 1992 in his parents' garage - a new, comfortable folding bike with a new folding mechanism. Since then, the company has grown continuously with many more innovative ideas and unique designs. Riese & Müller is currently focussing on urban mobility combined with the topics of sustainability and environmental protection.
