As cities push for more sustainable transport solutions, parking space for bicycles is becoming a major challenge. Japanese manufacturer Giken has introduced a solution with its Eco Cycle, an underground robotic parking system that stores bikes automatically, freeing up space without disrupting the cityscape. To ensure the smooth operation of this high-tech garage, Giken uses durable energy chains from igus to manage the lift’s cable guidance system.
Picture this: a sunny Sunday afternoon, perfect for a bike ride into town. You arrive, ready to enjoy some ice cream, but all the bicycle stands are full. With no secure parking options, you leave your bike on the pavement, only to return and find it stolen. This common problem plagues many cyclists in cities like Germany, where parking is scarce. Giken’s Eco Cycle offers a solution: a fully automated underground parking system that takes bicycles off the street while keeping the city visually untouched.
How the Automated Parking Garage Works
The Eco Cycle system, currently installed at 63 locations in 26 Japanese cities, could one day make its way to other countries like Germany. Here’s how it works: cyclists place their bike on a rail at a designated check-in point, using a card scanner for a contact-free process. The system then kicks into action. A door opens, and a robotic gripper pulls the bike inside. The bike is placed on a mobile platform that descends up to 16 meters underground and can rotate 360 degrees. The platform is housed within circular walls that hold 200 bike racks. In just 13 seconds, the bike is parked securely, ready to be retrieved later.
Ensuring Reliability with igus Energy Chains
While the Eco Cycle offers impressive automation, it’s crucial that the system remains reliable. If the lift were to fail, hundreds of cyclists could be left stranded. That’s why Giken relies on energy chains from igus, a specialist in high-performance plastics, to protect the lift’s electrical cables. These energy chains ensure that the power and data cables move smoothly along with the lift, preventing damage.
“The energy chains are critical for the system’s reliability, protecting the cables from wear and external elements,” explains Jörg Ottersbach, Head of the e-chain Business Unit at igus. The energy chains are easy to install and maintain, making the system more cost-effective. They are also designed for durability, capable of handling up to 4.5 million operating cycles at high speeds and accelerations.
The lift operates at speeds of up to 3 meters per second, with the telescopic axis reaching accelerations of 4 meters per second squared. “Using our energy chains enhances the safety and efficiency of Giken’s Eco Cycle garages,” Ottersbach adds. The combination of secure underground storage and reliable automation makes Giken’s Eco Cycle a promising solution for cities looking to accommodate more bicycles without disrupting urban life.
