Keyper
As part of the exhibition organised by the INNOVATHENS Innovation Hub under the title **“When Design Meets Technology,”** our studio developed the following concept based on Wireless Keyper / Keeper technology.
Moving around the city is an integral part of everyday life: from home to the office, from daily obligations to leisure activities and back again. Whether short or long, each journey carries its own psychological burden.
Should I take the car or use public transport? Will I find somewhere to park? Will I be close to my destination? Is parking safe in every part of the city? Will I arrive on time despite the traffic? The rising cost of fuel also plays a significant role in these decisions.
Within this context—and given the increasing number of daily obligations and the speed at which they must be completed—the need for alternative forms of urban mobility has become more pressing than ever. In Greece, we remain far removed from the Northern European culture of shared daily transport, where neighbours may take turns using their cars. As a result, more people are turning to something that was relatively uncommon until only a few years ago: the bicycle.
Cycling has now become a widely adopted means of transportation, particularly among younger people, while steadily gaining popularity across older age groups as well. Fast, economical and, above all, easy to park, the bicycle offers a practical and reliable response to the traffic congestion of modern cities.
One of its few disadvantages—which we also recognise as cyclists ourselves—is its vulnerability to theft. Conventional solutions, such as heavy and often cumbersome locks, make everyday use more difficult while frequently proving ineffective.
Driven by innovative thinking and the possibilities offered by contemporary industrial design, we developed a security device that responds to and makes use of today’s digital environment.
**An “electronic guardian”: a lock that secures the bicycle conventionally while incorporating cutting-edge technology.**
The concept consists of a protective casing containing the necessary technology for an application that can transmit notifications to a smartphone with compatible software or to the user’s computer. The system alerts the owner whenever an unauthorised change in the bicycle’s condition or position is detected.
By integrating Google Maps location services, the bicycle can also be tracked throughout its journey. All components are designed to fit within a casing that cannot be removed from the bicycle frame without causing extensive damage. Its discreet and familiar appearance conceals its technological capabilities.
The bicycle can be locked and unlocked remotely by its authorised user through available wireless networks. This feature also allows the bicycle to be shared by more than one person without requiring the owner to be physically present.
In an era of rapid technological development, we believe that, following the completion of its development and the necessary testing, this device has the potential to become a valuable accessory for cyclists and establish a strong position in the market.
