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Driving micromobility for greener cities

Cities worldwide are increasingly recognizing the importance of micromobility for sustainable transportation. Semiconductor technologies play a crucial role in this context. They improve energy efficiency and enable seamless, intelligent mobility.

Mobility
Vehicles
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Transforming urban traffic through micromobility

In their efforts to drive sustainable mobility, cities increasingly emphasize the importance of what is called "micromobility". This term refers to a range of lightweight transportation options that typically cover short distances. This includes e-scooters, e-bikes, e-rickshaws and e-cargo bikes, and even shared electric vehicles. In the context of smart cities, micromobility offers a myriad of benefits that align with the overarching goal of creating more sustainable and livable urban environments.

electric light vehicles
electric light vehicles
electric light vehicles

These means of transportation offer a well-connected seamless mobility experience for residents and visitors, reducing car traffic, noise and pollution. Due to their flexibility and widespread availability, micromobility transportation provides better access to more places for more people and can complement public transportation.

A prerequisite for the success of micromobility concepts is that cities continue to build safe corridors for micromobility such as cycle highways, bike lanes and mixed-traffic streets with speed limits. And micromobility is by no means limited to private transportation: Commercial transportation, like the so called last mile mobility, increasingly uses Light Electric Vehicles (LEV), such as parcel deliverers on e-cargo bikes and meal deliverers on e-bikes.

infographic what is micromobility
infographic what is micromobility
infographic what is micromobility

The crucial role of semiconductors advancing micromobility solutions for smart cities

According to a McKinsey report, the global micromobility market is worth about $180 billion today. McKinsey analysis shows that the value could more than double by 2030 to reach about $440 billion.

At the heart of modern micromobility solutions are advanced semiconductor technologies that enable these systems to operate seamlessly, efficiently and safely.

First of all, electric-powered micromobility options rely on high-capacity batteries to provide energy. Semiconductor components, such as power management integrated circuits (PMICs), optimize battery usage, extend lifespan and enhance charging efficiency. These technologies ensure that micromobility vehicles remain operational and accessible for users.

Secondly, smart cities rely on data exchange between various components to function efficiently. Semiconductors facilitate real-time communication between micromobility devices and central control systems, enabling remote diagnostics, over-the-air updates, and fleet management. This connectivity enhances safety and allows quick responses to potential issues

Autonomous and semi-autonomous micromobility solutions are on the horizon, promising safer and more efficient transportation. Semiconductors power sensors such as LiDAR, radar and cameras, all of which enable vehicles to perceive their surroundings, enable vehicles to avoid obstacles and navigate urban environments autonomously.

Semiconductors contribute to the overall user experience by powering intuitive touchscreens, user interfaces and mobile applications. These technologies enhance convenience, streamline payments and provide real-time information to users, encouraging the adoption of micromobility options.

mobility-scooter
mobility-scooter
mobility-scooter

Autonomous delivery robots are a promising field for logistics companies, retailers and customers alike. While the delivery robot market is still in its infancy, demand for these everyday helpers is already growing rapidly.

Specialized companies, many of them in Asia, are leading the way, pioneering safety standards and eventually mass production. The main reason for the significant increase in the development of delivery robots is consumer desire for quick deliveries.

There are different robot types, depending on the application area. For example, comparatively slow unmanned delivery robots are perfect for last-mile delivery when transporting food or other items. They also feature good battery life, store and transmit service information to users and use precise sensors to perform particularly demanding tasks.

Infineon provides all the electronics for these types of service robots and enables robot developers to overcome technical challenges with the help of the next generation of semiconductor technologies.

delivery robots
delivery robots
delivery robots