Free customization, excellence - R160Robot

With its cutting-edge technology, advanced anthropometry methods and extensive engineering experience, Bike is collaborating with renowned companies Altair, HiETA Technologies and Renishaw to launch the new R160 mountain bike frame - this frame is used Metal additive manufacturing (3D printing) technology and design processing in the UK.

The R160 frame is unique in its structure. It uses titanium lug bolts, patented carbon fiber components and frame tubes, and completes the connection of the various parts of the frame in a double-lap stack - this maximizes design freedom. With the cooperation of various companies, the frame of each bicycle can be customized according to the user's body shape data, and with the development of new technology, the design of the frame can be further optimized - the reason for this is The manufacturing process of the frame does not require the use of a mold.

The conceptual design of the new frame was proposed by Robot Bike, which was founded in 2013 by Ben Farmer, Ed Haythornthwaite, Andy Hawkins and Ben Robarts-Arnold. Robot Bike's mission is clear - to create the world's best mountain bike frame.

The company's partner companies are among the best in their respective fields of technology, with extensive industry-related experience, including high-end manufacturing areas such as aerospace, automotive and F1 racing, so the design and manufacture of the R160 frame from the very beginning It has a solid foundation. Dave Weagle designed the frame suspension system for Robot Bike. Dave is one of the world's leading mountain bike suspension system designers, and its outstanding original works have long enjoyed a good reputation in the industry.

HiETA is a company specializing in additive manufacturing R&D and project engineering planning at the Bristol-Bath Technology Park in the UK. The company has 25 professional engineers, covering the product design, preparation of the production process and project management services. From concept design, process development, to early stage support in the manufacturing process, HiETA provides customers with a full range of services from concept to finished product, helping customers accelerate the time-to-market of innovative products.

Mike Adams, CEO of HiETA, said: "One of the long-awaited goals of the additive manufacturing industry has been 'mass customization'. By playing a leading role in the project, we are able to understand the synergies between the various elements. And integration, including: excellent frame design, the use of the latest software tools for product optimization and process automation, the flexibility of the manufacturing process itself, and the efficient collaboration between partners; this collaborative project shows the world The strong technical strength of the southwestern part of England also proves that this desire is becoming a reality."

Altair is a professional analog engineering software company that optimizes the connectors on bicycles that are manufactured by additive manufacturing. By using solidThinking Inspire software, Altair is able to find areas of less force in the joints and remove material from the corresponding areas, thereby reducing the weight of the joints and reducing the number of parts without sacrificing performance - this gives full play to the additive Manufacturing advantages. These engineering techniques that maximize product performance are often used in the automotive and aerospace industries, but they are also a valuable technical asset for bicycle manufacturers.

Paul Kirkham, project team leader at Altair's Bristol office, said: "We are very excited to be involved in this interesting project. Additive manufacturing technology and design optimization technology are a perfect partner. After the combination of the two, we will Capable of producing components and systems that are closer to the ideal balance of weight and performance. Robot Bike's bicycles designed for customers will be truly innovative and unique."

Renishaw is a world leader in space measurement, spectroscopic analysis and healthcare, with expertise in a wide range of industries and research areas - from aerospace and renewable energy to dental and brain surgery medical devices - Nisau can help its customers significantly improve their operational efficiency. It is also the only manufacturer of metal additive manufacturing systems in the UK.

Marc Saunders, Director of Renishaw Global Solutions Center, said: "From the initial concept design phase to the final production of this high quality bicycle frame, we are very pleased to be able to participate and contribute to Renishaw's additive manufacturing. Expertise in processing, measurement and measurement. This project is a good example of the role that Renishaw's Solution Center plays in the entire design-production chain – we work closely with all parties to maximize customer availability. Production and long-term benefits through the additive manufacturing process."

Even if a bicycle is designed to be excellent, if it does not match the rider's body characteristics, its value will be greatly reduced, and this is what Robot Bike knows about the shortcomings of similar products on the market. The company's Ed Haythornthwaite said: "If you are going to make the best bikes in the world, it's obviously not enough to offer only a handful of sizes, because the people who buy and use these bikes are all kinds of people, everyone's body. The shape is different. You can think of Robot Bike as the 'Savile Street' in the bicycle industry. (Translator's Note: Savile Street is the concentrated area of ​​the top tailoring shop in London's West End, famous for making traditional men's tailored clothing. )."

The bicycle is priced at around £4,395 and is delivered in four weeks. Reservations will be accepted from June 2016.