Vodafone Holland has jumped on the smart marketing bandwagon with a smart cycling jacket.
In association with Technical University Delft and the Dutch Cyclist Association, Vodafone has previewed technology that allows cyclists to upload their route onto their phone and then tuck the phone away into a special pocket in the smart jacket to avoid distractions while riding. The smart jacket is linked to a Rasberry Pi device, which is further connected to approximately 300 built-in LED lights. Once the cyclist mounts his or her bike, the jacket recognizes the route programmed through a phone and displays it on the back of the smart jacket, informing drivers and the public in general of the cyclist's next move. This way, surrounding traffic can move around cyclists with increased caution.
The smart jacket proves especially useful in Amsterdam where, based on the Dutch Cyclist Association's research, up to 40% of cyclists operate bikes while using their phones.
The smart cycling jacket is currently being tested on the field, after which Delft Technical University will continue to develop it.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Smart Cycling
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced smart jackets with more features to enhance cyclist safety and navigation.
- Connected Clothing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the integration of technology into various clothing items to provide personalized, interactive experiences for consumers.
- Internet of Things (iot) Wearables
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create wearable devices that utilize IoT technology to enhance user safety and convenience in different contexts, such as cycling.
Where This Applies
- Smart Clothing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop smart clothing products with integrated technology to cater to the growing demand for connected and intelligent wearables.
- Consumer Electronics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the development of electronics and devices that seamlessly integrate into everyday life, such as smart jackets for cyclists.
- Transportation
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Innovate transportation-related products and services, such as smart cycling jackets, to improve safety and efficiency in urban environments.
