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Baliz - E
Problem to Be Solved with the Prototype
In Europe, an average of 37 deaths per million inhabitants are recorded annually, with the victims being cyclists involved in traffic accidents. The goal of the product is to minimize this figure and, therefore, maximize cyclist safety on the road.
Common sense dictates that reducing the number of accidents involving cyclists, which is much higher than those resulting in unfortunate fatalities, involves transmitting an early warning to motor vehicle drivers.
With this premise, the Baliz-E challenge was entrusted to our product development company in Madrid.
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Definition of the Baliz-E Prototype
BALIZ-E consists of two independent electronic modules wirelessly interconnected, with a range of over 5 km, regardless of weather conditions.
Each module has an autonomy of over 7 hours, powered by batteries that fit perfectly into the geometry and custom-designed housings for this product.
The placement of one unit on the bicycle required an industrial design based on IP68 and IP67 standards, ensuring the future durability of the device.
Product Operation
The electronic device A is placed on the bicycle, preferably on the rear, as it is equipped with a solution that also provides sufficient lighting to make cyclists visible.
This device A is equipped with an electronic circuit that ensures long hours of autonomy while also integrating the possibility of connectivity through multiple channels.
Proprietary Mathematical Model | Machine Learning
Device A integrates a Machine Learning model that allows real-time identification of falls, accidents, or intentional stops by cyclists.
With these detections, the system sends a signal to the electronic devices B, which are also part of the prototype.
The B devices are receivers of alerts sent by the A electronic modules (installed on the bicycles).
The good news is that the alert signal not only reaches vehicles approaching the cyclist’s accident point or event, but drivers can, with a simple press on the exposed surface of the developed device, turn the B module (receiver) into an active transmitter. This allows the alert to reach many more vehicles over a greater distance.
After practical testing with the prototype, we were able to validate that Baliz-E's functionality creates a safety bubble around the event, reliably notifies drivers, and maximizes cyclist safety.
Disciplines Involved in the Prototype Development
Electronic Design: Custom PCB design and manufacturing.
Telecommunications: Identification of protocols and alternatives to maximize outdoor connectivity possibilities, optimizing battery consumption strategy in one of the electronic modules.
Industrial Design: Material study to achieve the necessary mechanical resistance to withstand impacts. The design team conducted iterations to optimize antenna placement and ensure the custom electronic design fit seamlessly within the housing.
Custom Machine Learning: The custom mathematical model development team designed data-collecting devices, which were used to conduct extensive testing to identify the required patterns. Through meticulous data cleaning and pattern definition, the prototype achieved over 90% accuracy with a very low frequency of false positives.
HCI Design: Defining usage modes to design an appropriate "machine-user" interface was also key in this development. The goal was for cyclists to do nothing more than they would with a standard commercial light used in cycling. Meanwhile, for drivers, the design required something simple, small, ergonomic, and minimalist, as the B electronic module would alter the interior of their vehicles.
Prototype Development Complexity
Electronics and Firmware Development
83%
Industrial Design and 3D Printing
22%
Telecommunications
95%
Software Development
25%
Machine Learning Development
74%
