B2B-C - Bike To Bike Communication (BPSE SS20)
Project description
IoT for smart bicycle traffic
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a reality. The number of connected end devices is predicted to reach up to 25 billion devices in 2021. The automotive sector is characterising the conceptual world with buzzwords such as car-to-car (C2C communication) and autonomous driving. As Germany's first digital city, Darmstadt wants to become a real smart city with the IoT and networks created for this purpose. By miniaturising the hardware of IoT devices, bicycles can now also be equipped and networked. In the future, this could make bicycle traffic in a city smarter and more fluid.
Bicycles as a group
Optimising all traffic for individual bicycles puts all other road users at a disadvantage. One idea would be for several cyclists to form a group. If such a group is given priority in a smart traffic management system, the other road users would be much more willing to give priority to them. To this end, the networked bicycles could, for example, make contact and communicate with each other using Bike 2 Bike Communication (B2B-C). Small IoT devices with integrated short-range radio can recognise other devices in the vicinity and thus become part of a group. The LoRaWAN network installed in Darmstadt as part of the activities for Germany's first digital city can receive signals from small IoT devices well beyond the city limits as a long-range radio network.
Prototyping with IoT devices
In our project, we want to develop prototypes for B2B-C devices based on IoT boards. We are supported in this by the company Arnold Zender Elektronik, which can create customised hardware for the system project. This also allows us to choose a format that is suitable for bicycles. A 3D printer is also available to print customised housings.
From the creative idea to the project
At the beginning of the project, the goal and the architecture for a B2B communication are designed. From the vague idea, which you can enrich as much as you like with your creativity, you work out the goal of the project together in the project team in consultation with the lecturer. As the project progresses, the time is divided into sprints according to an agile approach. You define interim goals to be achieved. As the supervisor, we take on the role of the client. You will probably recognise the need for change during the course of the project, which you will coordinate with us as the client and thus practise a typical product development project.
Previous knowledge
Good programming skills, especially in C/C++, basic knowledge of computer science (TGI, RA, MPS). Knowledge from the course "Software Development for Embedded Systems" as well as an interest in the development of embedded systems, IoT applications and technologies for sustainable urban development are helpful.
Lecturer
Prof. Dr Jens-Peter Akelbein
supported by
Mario Hoss - research assistant
Bettina Kurz - research assistant and laboratory engineer Emb. Systems
as well as corporate support from
Arnold Zender Elektronik represented by Alexander Zender