Chinese ‘smart bike’ sharing service Mobike has announced that it will use IoT technology solutions from US chipmaker Qualcomm and telecommunications colossus AT&T in a bid to accelerate its expansion plans in the United States.
The mobility firm which is headquartered in Beijing aims to utilize the technology provided by both Qualcomm and AT&T to support its station-free bike scheme in the US. A spokesperson for Mobike has claimed that the combination of AT&T 4G LTE connectivity capabilities and Qualcomm’s LTE IoT modems will ensure that its smartphone app will allow users to easily locate, unlock and securely pay for the nearest bike.
The USP of the Chinese mobility company is that its entire bike fleet is incorporated with GPS-enabled systems which mean bikes can go to locations where they are needed most. In addition to the implemented GPS system, AT&T will allow Mobike to capture detailed usage data from every bike which is a necessity for this type of dynamic management.
During periods of high demand for its services, the Beijing-based ‘smart bike’ company can offer app users incentives to move their bikes from largely remote areas of the city to more populous parts. This data can then ensure smart bike fleet distributions runs seamlessly, effectively and efficiently – and can also help the city planners smart urban transportation infrastructure.
The bikes are also fitted with ‘smart locks’ – this is provided by Qualcomm’s MDM9206 global multimode LTE IoT modem which supports extended battery life. It also enhances coverage for connectivity in challenging conditions and mobile IoT applications.
Analysts have suggested that the LTE IoT connectivity and its integrated GNSS position-locked capability in the modem is one of the main catalysts behind the success of the company. Customers can quickly identify an available bike, unlock the ‘smart lock and assist with real-time management.
Founder and CTO of Mobike Joe Xia expressed his delight at securing the partnership agreement with Qualcomm and AT&T which allows him to utilize their cutting-edge IoT solutions. He added that both US companies advanced connectivity capabilities enabled his organization to make the next step in its expansion plans.
Xia said, “Mobike is the only true smart bike platform that leverages proprietary smart locks with built-in GPS and IoT technology to create a sophisticated and highly adaptable solution to the ‘last mile’ transport challenge in one of the world’s largest fleet of mobile IoT devices. Our solution depends on advanced connectivity capabilities such as those of Qualcomm’s MDM9206 global multimode LTE modem, combined with the robust support of AT&T’s network. We are pleased to have support from mobile communications industry leaders like AT&T and Qualcomm Technologies, who are helping Mobike provide the convenient and dependable user experience that is our hallmark.”
President of Internet of Things Solutions at AT&T, Chris Penrose said the collaboration enhanced the development of smart cities across the US and evidenced yet again the emerging importance of IoT. Penrose said: “By providing IoT connectivity for Mobike, we’re advancing both the sharing economy and the future of smart cities in a meaningful way. This relationship is allowing us to see some of the tangible benefits of how IoT can help address significant social and environmental challenges. In turn, we see that using IoT for good can create lasting benefits for our world.”
