Garmin has bought iKubu, a privately-held South African designer of computer vision and radar systems for the cycling market.
“iKubu has found a way to implement short-range radar into a low-power system that addresses a common concern among cyclists – identifying potential hazards that are approaching them from behind,” says Cliff Pemble, Garmin’s president and CEO.
iKubu was just about done with their latest development the Backtracker low-energy bike radar, a device that provides unparalleled situational awareness by giving the cyclist the speed and distance of vehicles that are approaching from behind.This now will belong to Garmin.
The road is scanned by a rear-facing radar module that also doubles as a dynamically flashing caution light, and the information is sent wirelessly to a handlebar-mounted head unit.
Franz Struwig, MD of iKubu, comments: “Garmin is a technological leader among cyclists, and we are looking forward to integrating our technology and expertise into their outstanding products. Garmin gives us the resources to develop, bring to market, and showcase our products that we otherwise would not have.”
Most of the former employees of iKubu will become employees of Garmin’s existing subsidiary in South Africa and will continue to operate primarily as a research and development centre based in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Financial terms of the transaction has not been revealed.