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According to recent reports, Shimano has been conducting field tests on its innovative artificial intelligence shifting system, Q'Auto, with plans to officially launch it by 2025. This technology promises to revolutionize the cycling experience by integrating advanced AI capabilities into the bike’s shifting mechanism.
The concept of Q'Auto was first revealed to the public at the 2023 Eurobike show, where Shimano showcased its automated transmission system. Tom Weijand, a representative of Shimano, explained that the system operates through a capacitor housed in the rear hub, which stores small amounts of energy generated by the wheel's rotation to facilitate automatic shifting. An inclinometer aids this process by determining whether the bike is going uphill or downhill, adjusting the shifting parameters accordingly to maintain the optimal cadence. Notably, this technology introduces a battery-free power source into the mechanical shifting ecosystem.
Initially, attendees were informed that the Q'Auto technology was still in development, but now Shimano anticipates a market release as early as 2025. The company has been researching automatic shifting technology for years, aiming to allow the bike itself to determine the best time to shift gears. Shimano disclosed an example of an automatic shifting control in a U.S. patent as early as 2000 (Patent No. 6,073,061), and its 12-speed electric mountain bikes already feature automatic shifting capabilities. This system evaluates various parameters, including cadence, acceleration, torque applied through the cranks, and time spent in specific thresholds, allowing it to select the proper gear without manual intervention.
At the heart of the Q'Auto system is a hub equipped with a chip, intricate shifting mechanisms, and an 11-speed gear system. One of its standout features is the ability to intelligently adjust cadence and speed based on the rider's personal habits and preferences. Leveraging machine learning algorithms, the AI system can remember and analyze various riding patterns—including speed, power output, and responses to different gradients—and gradually optimize shifting strategies to ensure the most suitable gear is selected at the right moment.
Q'Auto's unique advantage lies in its provision of a mechanism similar to pedal assist found in electric bicycles, without adding the weight of a lithium-ion battery. This enables riders to enjoy the convenience and efficiency of intelligent shifting while maintaining the lightness and agility of their bikes, making it an appealing option for those seeking an ultimate cycling experience.
Shimano plans to primarily offer Q'Auto technology to bicycle manufacturers in Western markets and Taiwan, with intentions to bundle it with pedal and brake systems. This product launch signifies a significant expansion for Shimano into the electric bicycle sector. As traditional bicycle sales face fluctuations—despite the company holding a steady position in the global high-end bicycle components market with an estimated 70% market share—Shimano has experienced a 25% decline in sales in 2023. Looking ahead to 2024, growth remains uncertain. Given the intense competition from electric bicycle brands, particularly Bosch, Takashi Toyoshima, Shimano’s VP of Development, believes that Q'Auto still holds promise in terms of lightweight design and ease of ride.
As Shimano prepares for the future, the Q'Auto system could redefine how cyclists approach gearing, making riding more intuitive and responsive, while also expanding Shimano's footprint in the rapidly evolving world of electric bicycles.