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Pendulum
When you cannot find the right solution for your situation, so you make your own.
Would you like to cycle while singing along to your favorite song and connect with family or friends who are affected by dementia or other physical limitations? Then we’re talking about Aimé.
Aimé is a tandem bike developed by Pendulum, designed to promote mobility and exercise for individuals with limited mobility. This includes people with dementia or other conditions, as well as those who struggle to move properly due to an accident or other events.
The system allows two people to pedal together: one person with mobility issues and another person who can set the pace. This way, those who can’t pedal on their own can still stay active.
An added fun feature is the built-in music system. While pedaling, the music plays, allowing users to enjoy their favorite tunes. People with dementia can reminisce about songs from their past and sing along.
Aimé has a touching origin story. It began when Aimé Houbracken, searching for a way to keep his wife with dementia active, found existing solutions unsuitable. In his garage, he built a pedal system that allowed his wife to ride as he pedaled, creating the first version of the Aimé tandem bike. The change in his wife was remarkable—she became more engaged, and they even sang together while riding. Doctors credited his invention with extending her life. After sharing it, the bike quickly gained attention, leading to its further development into the Aimé we know today.
To develop the current Aimé tandem bike, Aimé teamed up with Pendulum, a division of Pilipili focused on healthcare solutions. After testing several prototypes, they refined the design to optimize functionality and add new features. Pendulum used 3D models and simulations to create a practical, comfortable system for care centers, conducting tests to improve stability and comfort. The bike allows movement with both feet and hands, offering flexibility for users with limited mobility. Pendulum also partnered with VAEngineering to integrate the necessary electronic system into the final model.
Many people with dementia remember their favorite songs, so a music system was integrated into the Aimé tandem bike. The music plays while pedaling and stops when pedaling ceases, encouraging users to stay active. VAEngineering designed a solution with a universal module for easy upgrades. A light sensor detects motion, triggering the music to play or stop accordingly. A Bluetooth module was also added, allowing users to choose their own music.
The primary challenges in this project were finding the right design for the pedal system and developing the appropriate electronics.
Since everyone has different body types, the Aimé had to be comfortable for all users.
There were many options for motion detection, so it was important to choose the most reliable and durable solution.
Throughout the development of Aimé, continuous testing was done in care homes in Kortrijk and Waregem, where staff and residents could try the bike. These tests provided feedback on what areas Pendulum and VAEngineering needed to improve.
The results came quickly. During one test day, a woman tried the Aimé and immediately began singing along to a song. Despite various theories, witnessing such results was fascinating for both the healthcare staff and the entire design team at Pendulum and VAEngineering. They knew they were on the right track!
To ensure safety, VAEngineering conducted EMC testing, achieving compliance with European regulations. The Aimé bike received CE certification, allowing its use across Europe an essential milestone for its deployment in healthcare settings.
This was crucial, as any issues with the device could result in significant problems for both the designer and the manufacturer.
Pilipili was founded in 1996 by Steven Dehollander to meet the demand for product design. The team provides R&D, development, and production support to bring concepts to market, handling everything from idea refinement to partner selection. They operate in various sectors, including healthcare, where they created Pendulum, a division focused on improving care quality. Besides Aimé, they developed products like Snoezle, a calming system, and Two, a safety handle for individuals prone to wandering.
Pilipili has worked with VAEngineering for many years on new electronic projects. Initially, VAEngineering assisted with smaller projects. Over time, the collaboration proved successful, and VAEngineering became the go-to partner for electronic solutions due to their quality and speed.
I enjoy working with Thomas and his team. We at Pilipili are a dynamic group, and we quickly found a good match.
Since VAE isn’t a large company, their flexibility is high, and they respond quickly, making the entire process smooth. When unforeseen circumstances arise, Thomas and his team find a solution. Thomas is always up-to-date with the latest technologies and methods, making the collaboration even more enjoyable. He’s a great specialist, always passionate about delivering strong electronic solutions.
Thanks to our experience in a wide variety of electronics projects, we have everything we need to turn your idea into a user-friendly and functional final product.