The Department of Industrial Technology (DOIT)'s "Tech Treasure Unveiled" exhibition section starts on October 17 at the Taipei World Trade Center Hall 1 during the 2024 Taiwan Innotech Expo (TIE).

     Featuring achievements from ten R&D-incorporated foundations, including the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Metal Industries R&D Centre, Taiwan Textile Research Institute, and Cycling & Health Tech Industry R&D Center (CHC), the exhibition showcased 64 breakthrough technologies. At the same time, Taiwan's first AI solid-state lidar system, co-developed with industry research partners, boasts superior road condition detection accuracy compared to internationally recognized algorithms. It has been verified in collaboration with major electric bus manufacturer, RAC Electric Vehicles Inc, establishing Taiwan's key capabilities in autonomous vehicle development.

       

     Neng-Kai Chang, Senior Technical Specialist of DOIT, stated that the government invests billions annually in technology R&D to drive domestic industrial transformation and upgrading through innovative technologies. The exhibition features three main highlights. First, it covers a wide range of fields, with 64 selected technologies covering AI, semiconductors, smart manufacturing, sustainable development, biomedical, and textiles; secondly, nearly 60% of the technologies have partnered with over 80 enterprises to successfully promote the development of the upstream and downstream industrial chain; and thirdly, there are 23 technologies have won prestigious international awards, including the R&D100 Awards, Edison Awards, and the Oscars of the automotive industry, receiving global recognition.

     Taiwan is the world’s second-largest exporter of bicycle components and is known as a bicycle kingdom. As the number of people with disabilities continues to increase in recent years, the public has increased attention to the exercise rights of disadvantaged groups. The CHC has launched an upgraded version of the handcycle 2.0, which significantly improves the frame structure, electromechanical design, connectivity features, and environmental alerts.

     With the promotion of the DOIT, CHC collaborated with Gomier, a bicycle manufacturer, to develop smart electronic control technology. The handcycle 2.0 has integrated smart electric control technology, excelling in ergonomic design and physiological sensor integration compared to international. It also integrates IoT technology with rental services, offering convenient vehicle rentals and mobile management services. With technology support, people with disabilities can achieve their dreams of cycling around mountains and the island, making this a healthier and safer mobility solution.



     In addition, in response to the rising global awareness of environmental issues, demand for electric bikes has grown annually, leading to the rapid development of various new cross-border bicycles in the market. The CHC also introduced the Sillykids Bug, a fat-tire electric (cargo) bike, designed with a frame reminiscent of 1950s Asian lightweight motorcycles, incorporating popular fat-tire features from America and cargo characteristics common in Europe. Its low-step design accommodates various riders, with pre-allocated spots for cargo racks, baskets, and trailers, allowing it to transform into a cargo bike. The innovative design of the Sillykids Bug has earned the 2024 Taipei Cycle Innovation Design Award and the Intelligent, innovative E-bike Award of the 25th International Bicycle Design Competition, aiming to become one of the solutions for low-carbon mobility.