The COBI is a smart bike system, developed by German start-up iCradle, that can convert traditional bikes into smart bikes using users' smartphones and the COBI companion app.
The smartphone is placed in a water-resistant dock that is mounted on the bike's handlebars. The COBI system itself includes over 100 smart features. For example, the bike's lights automatically come on when it starts getting dark, while the tail light works both as a brake light as well as a turn indicator.
The app also provides weather and traffic updates and displays user's speed, distance traveled and calories burned.
The COBI Smart Bike system is currently the subject of a Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. A pledge of $159 will get you set up with one unit if the campaign hits its fundraising goal and the product comes to fruition.
Bike-Smartening Systems
The COBI System Uses Your Smartphone to Turn Your Bike into a Smart Bike
Trend Themes
1. Smart Bikes - The development of bike-smartening systems like COBI offers opportunities for disruptive innovation in the bike industry by combining technology with traditional bikes.
2. Smartphone Integration - The integration of smartphones with bike systems, like the COBI companion app, presents disruptive innovation opportunities for mobile technology companies to create new products and services for the biking industry.
3. Connected Accessories - The rise of connected accessories, such as the COBI smart bike system, opens up disruptive innovation possibilities for accessory manufacturers to create cutting-edge and customized products for cyclists.
Industry Implications
1. Bike Industry - The bike industry can seize disruptive innovation opportunities by incorporating smart bike systems like COBI into their product offerings, enhancing the cycling experience for consumers.
2. Mobile Technology - The mobile technology industry has the potential to disrupt the biking industry by creating innovative smartphone apps and integrations, like the COBI companion app, that enhance the functionality and connectivity of bikes.
3. Accessory Manufacturing - The accessory manufacturing industry can explore disruptive innovation by developing connected accessories, similar to the COBI system, that enhance the features and convenience of traditional bikes.