CONAMO
About the project
Transforming cycling into a social experience
The topic of athlete data in cycling is especially relevant in Flanders, the birthplace of many cycling innovations. Real-time data doesn’t just enable cyclists to get an instant overview of their performance for improved training and strategic decision-making; it also makes cycling a social experience, opening up areas of a market in which novelty and added value are key differentiators.
Addressing new technical challenges in real-time data transmission and analysis
By introducing new technologies in the areas of long-range networks and data analysis, CONAMO will address several innovation goals, including:
• reliable long-range sensor connectivity in high-density networks;
• a semantic reasoning platform that analyses cyclist data to implement individualized and adaptive training models;
• increased user experience during training and collective cycling events and the identification of business opportunities for cyclists, fans and media professionals.
In determining what factors spark increased user experience during actual cycling events, the project intends to extend the data-driven cycling experience from ‘post event’ into ‘during event’.
Taking personal training and collective cycling to the next level
CONAMO will collaborate with diverse partners specializing in the areas of athletic training methods, public engagement, the Internet of Things, networking and big data. Two use cases form the core of the project:
1. preparation for the event in the form of training;
2. group experience during mass cycling events with a trial planned at a mass cycling event such as the 2018 Tour of Flanders for amateurs.
The project’s living lab will explore how social interaction, storytelling, gamification and smart connections to professional cycling experiences can enhance user experience in both use cases and motivate a wide group of cyclists to train in a healthy way.
Promoting an active lifestyle to a wider group
Fields of investigation and innovation for CONAMO don’t just include the technical and social; the project also seeks to support the creation of a healthier, more responsible and social cycling experience. Cycling continues to grow in popularity around the world, and promoting exercise to a wider group of people is an explicit goal of CONAMO and its collaborators.
"CONAMO seeks to improve both the training for and experience during mass amateur cycling events by continuously monitoring and analyzing the stream of cycling sensor data generated by cyclists and their peers. The project’s goals are to open new market segments, promote an active lifestyle, give cyclists new insights into their training and performance, and transform cycling into a shared experience."
About our research
MICT conducts the users research of the project, from ideation over conceptual design, usability testing, field trial and evaluation of the social cycling application, together with IMEC-SMIT and project partner VRT. The aim is to develop an application suited to the needs of the user and targeted at increasing cycling behavior.
Duration of the project
October 1, 2016 - September 30, 2018