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CITEVE, CeNTI and TMG Textiles are developing innovative solutions to enhance the visibility and safety of cyclists and scooter users by combining smart technology, ergonomics and sustainability under the AM2R project. Among the prototypes in development are a jacket with active and passive lighting, a smart backpack made from textile and composite waste, and ergonomic handlebar grips with embedded electronics.
In an interview, Marta Midão, researcher at CeNTI, explained how these solutions work together through Bluetooth connection and a simplified mobile app, which reinforces safety alerts without distracting the user.
The jacket combines reflective strips and phosphorescent elements – which capture light during the day and glow at night – with electroluminescent threads that create active lighting powered by a battery and control electronics. It can be used independently, with lights switched on and off via a pocket module, or integrated with the other solutions through the mobile app. To ensure durability, the system was tested for up to 100 washing cycles, proving resistance to both wear and water contact.
The smart backpack adds a sustainable dimension, being made with nonwovens produced from TMG’s textile waste as filling, replacing conventional foams. Its LED matrix indicates turns and sudden braking, while a proximity detection system identifies approaching vehicles and sends alerts to the handlebar grips through haptic vibration, increasing risk awareness. The waterproof electronic add-on also integrates an IMU capable of detecting falls or abrupt stops, automatically triggering light signals.
The ergonomic handlebar grips feature active side lighting that works as turn signals, plus an encoder to indicate direction changes. The challenge was to miniaturize the electronics to fit into the grips without compromising user comfort. Like the backpack, the grips transmit alerts and integrate with the mobile app. All three solutions also feature an anti-theft function, which warns the user when the equipment moves out of Bluetooth range. According to Marta Midão, the process has been supported by volunteer testing, which helped improve ergonomics, durability and functionalities. First prototypes have already been produced and allowed design improvements; optimized second prototypes are now in development and will serve as the basis for final validations.
In the project, TMG Textiles takes on the role of industrial integration and commercialization, CITEVE is responsible for integrating solutions and developing textile prototypes, while CeNTI leads on sensorization, control electronics and the mobile app. AM2R is scheduled for completion in December, with the possibility of a six-month extension.
Although the market already offers isolated solutions – such as luminous grips or light-embedded wearables – the integration into a complete system (jacket, backpack and grips interconnected with additional feedback) is unprecedented. International fair showcases have confirmed the innovative and disruptive character of AM2R, which brings together safety, connectivity and sustainability for safer, smarter urban mobility.
