With artificial intelligence and no battery: Shimano’s new Q’Auto automatic transmission

Electronic shifting systems are no longer a rarity in the bicycle sector — Shimano has also been offering electric shifting components for years with its Di2 systems. But until now, nothing worked without a power source. This was a particular disadvantage for classic, non-electrified bicycles, as electronic shifting systems always required their own battery. Another item on the maintenance list. With the new Q’Auto system, Shimano is tackling precisely this problem and bringing an exciting innovation to the market: an electronic automatic gear shifting system without a battery — and with artificial intelligence.

Energy from the rear wheel: self-sufficient power supply

The centrepiece of the Q’Auto system is a special rear wheel hub with an integrated dynamo that continuously generates electricity while riding. This is stored in a lithium-ion capacitor which, according to Shimano, can store the energy for up to a year. This means that the system is completely self-sufficient and does not rely on external power sources or regular recharging.

Automation with intelligence: AI-supported shifting logic

Even more exciting than the power supply, however, is the intelligent shifting control. The hub not only houses the power source, but also an AI chip and sensors that analyse parameters such as cadence, speed and incline. The system uses this data to determine the optimum time to change gear — fully automatically and dynamically adapted to the riding situation. This turns Q’Auto into a genuine automatic gearstick, making the riding experience more comfortable and efficient.

Manual access possible

Despite all the automation, the user is not left out in the cold: A wireless gear lever on the handlebars, which is powered by commercially available button cells, can be used to manually control the gears. Anyone who intervenes in automatic mode, for example on a climb or for fine adjustment, is ‘observed’ by the system: The artificial intelligence remembers these interventions and adapts the shifting behaviour to the individual driving style in future. Alternatively, Q’Auto can also be operated completely manually.

Availability and compatibility

Right now, the system is compatible with the Shimano Cues Di2 groupset as well as 1×10 and 1×11-speed cassettes. The first urban, trekking and gravel bikes with the new Q’Auto system will be available shortly — Rose kicks things off with the new Sneak 3 EQ.

With this innovation, Shimano shows that electronic shifting systems do not necessarily need external power sources. The combination of energy-autonomous technology, artificial intelligence and flexible operation could be a real highlight, especially for everyday riders, commuters and technology enthusiasts.