GRENOBLE, France – June 26, 2014 – CEA-Leti and CORIMA, a leading supplier of carbon-composite wheels and frames for track and road-racing cyclists, today announced they are developing an integrated sensor system to measure the power output of riders as they pedal.
While there are a variety of ways to measure this key parameter for serious riders, they typically use sensors affixed to pedals or the rear-wheel axis. The compact, ultra-light force sensor developed in this collaboration will be lighter, more precise and more easily integrated in the rear wheel, assuring reliable data in all types of weather and on all roads.
“CORIMA has always worked with cycling professionals on both the track and road racing circuits, so we understand their needs for superior equipment and, increasingly, smart devices,” said CORIMA Managing Director Pierre-Jean Martin. “This force sensor developed with Leti and embedded on our carbon wheels is made with those athletes in mind and will raise the standard for measuring pedal force.”
The project blends Leti’s expertise in electronics, signal processing and wireless communication to transmit real-time information via the Internet of Things about the cyclist’s pedal force. CORIMA masters for its part the modelling of the distributions of effort in the wheel.
The project is part of Leti’s Development and Prototyping Platform, whose goal is to help SMEs in traditional industries improve their products and develop competitive advantages by integrating sensors and communication systems in their products. It is funded through the Easytech program of the IRT Nanoelec research institute.
“Leti’s strengths in microelectronics and sensors produce versatile devices that have many potential uses, and we constantly look for potential partners who have new applications for them,” said Leti CEO Laurent Malier. “Working with CORIMA, our team came up with an innovative use for a force sensors that, when integrated in CORIMA’s carbon wheels, apply Leti technology in a new realm and support the quantify-self movement.”
About CEA-Leti
By creating innovation and transferring it to industry, Leti is the bridge between basic research and production of micro- and nanotechnologies that improve the lives of people around the world. Backed by its portfolio of 2,200 patents, Leti partners with large industrials, SMEs and startups to tailor advanced solutions that strengthen their competitive positions. It has launched more than 50 startups. Its 8,000m² of new-generation cleanroom space feature 200mm and 300mm wafer processing of micro and nano solutions for applications ranging from space to smart devices. Leti’s staff of more than 1,700 includes 200 assignees from partner companies. Leti is based in Grenoble, France, and has offices in Silicon Valley, Calif., and Tokyo. Visit www.leti.fr for more information.
About CORIMA
CORIMA was founded in 1973 by Pierre Martin and Jean-Marie Riffard and is based in Loriol, France. The word CORIMA is taken from COoperation RIffard MArtin. Its initial activities were mechanical moulding: the making of moulds and models for the foundry, automobile and aeronautics sectors. In 1988, CORIMA diversified into the production of carbon composite parts and launched its first product for the cycling sector, the “Disc Wheel”. This was followed by many other products… to create a full range of carbon products for cycling. CORIMA has always worked with cycling professionals on both the track and road-racing circuits. Its products have been involved in many prestigious victories and setting of new records around the world and continue to do so with numerous athletes. For example, CORIMA carbon wheels won the Classic Cycling Race “Liège-Bastogne-Liège” in 2012, the Olympic Gold Medal of Road Cycling in 2012 and the Giro d’Italia in 2013.
