Less than a year after its public unveiling, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is making strides in numerous applications. A significant development was unveiled at Eurobike by Urtopia, a Chinese firm, where it showcased the first application of ChatGPT as a co-pilot on an ebike.
In 2021, Urtopia made its debut on the crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, offering an innovative carbon-framed ebike. This ebike was essentially a sophisticated computer on wheels, equipped with wind-canceling microphones embedded in the stem-integrated LCD display. These features allowed riders to communicate verbally with their bikes, allowing them to alter assist levels, change turn signals, control the built-in speaker volume, and ensure the ebike’s security.
Now, the company has extended this interactive capacity by integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into their control system. According to the company, this development marks the first-ever implementation of a voice-recognizing ebike interacting with a chatbot like ChatGPT. This unique integration offers a highly responsive and intelligent biking experience, setting Urtopia apart in the crowded ebike market.
However, the company has clarified that this innovative feature is yet to be made available for users. The ebike displayed at Eurobike was primarily a demonstrator of Urtopia’s AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things) technology, utilizing the company’s proprietary ChatGPT enterprise account.
How can ChatGPT be practically utilized in an ebike, one might ask? Urtopia’s Carbon One and Chord models already come equipped with GPS navigation and mobile connectivity. Hence, the addition of a chatbot like ChatGPT could potentially help with navigation, suggest places of interest, cafes to visit, and more. The integrated Bluetooth speaker could provide curated playlists, weather updates, and interesting information about locations. Furthermore, any query that arises during the ride could be swiftly answered through a quick chat with the AI co-pilot.
Based on available information, the ebike rider will have to initiate the chat with ChatGPT by pressing an activation button on the handlebar, implying that the chatbot is not in a constant listening mode.
At this stage, there is no clarity on whether these advanced features will eventually be included in Urtopia’s ebikes. However, given the rapid advancements in AI technology, and in light of announcements from companies like Mercedes-Benz about integrating OpenAI’s ChatGPT into its MBUX Voice Assistant, it’s reasonable to anticipate the integration of AI chatbots into our daily commuting tools.
Urtopia also announced at Eurobike the development of a low-step carbon ebike, the Fusion all-roader, created in partnership with Hartmut Esslinger of Frog Design. Although further details are scarce, the Fusion is expected to be as technologically advanced as Urtopia’s existing models.
In conclusion, Urtopia’s demonstration at Eurobike underscores the fast-approaching future where AI will revolutionize how we interact with our everyday transport. The integration of ChatGPT into ebikes is an exciting development, offering a glimpse of a future where our rides become smarter and more interactive.
Check out the video below for more.
Source: Urtopia
