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Dear backers, I know all you want is a lock on your bike or a date when you will have it. But until then, this test video of the final product might comfort you that those days are approaching.
Talk to you soon!
Marcus
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Dear backers
While this may not be as comprehensive as some previous communications, we are still working hard and making significant daily progress.
Production Update:
We're thrilled to announce that the lock is complete and ready for production. The extra time invested is spent on additional testing, ensuring a rock-solid product.
Working closely with a bike lock factory renowned for its extensive experience has proven invaluable. Their seasoned engineers have been instrumental in identifying potential design flaws promptly. This collaboration results in them seeing design flaws in days rather than discovering them after months of testing.
Locking Mechanism
The last mechanical hurdle we tackled was the locking mechanism.
It is hard to make a locking mechanism compact enough to fit in the pipe,
a month ago, I redesigned it to be stronger, which resulted in an unwanted error:
It might have opened if someone smashed the lock hard into an object or hit it with a hammer from the right angle.
After some speed development, we added an extra lock to the locking mechanism, making it impossible for everyone other than the motor to unlock.
It's only thanks to the factory's experience we discovered this.
We will make some nerdy videos describing the different design and engineering challenges along the way, which is surprisingly many considering that it is just a bike lock.
The lock ( as well as we and the company) has matured significantly in the last few months.
After a lot of testing
We upgraded the pipe material from 1,5 mm stainless steel to 2 mm hardened steel, meeting the ART II security classification.
I know this is a nerdy and technical update; I guess that's the stage we are in these weeks.
Hi Guys, I'm excited to share the latest update for the finalization, production, and delivery of the LAAS O-lock.
For my part, it's back to China, back to work.
After two weeks in Copenhagen, getting 15 locks to the backers confirmed what our suspicion had suggested.
The software is perfect and reliable, yet the locks require a better mechanical quality as a top-tier consumer product.
Improvements and impactful changes have been made to get this right.
Most significantly, we deselected the current factory as the quality output is not what we want and expect.
Currently, we are adjusting the design of the waterproof gaskets to make sure the new factory yields the right quality product pi.
When will we have our locks, and why should we trust you this time?!
The software is nearly finished (release quality); implementing the encryption was a substantially larger task than our developers thought, but it's done now.
And the security level is way above what you would expect from a bike lock.
The test backers will support me when I say the app and sharing functions are fantastic.
We moved the production to a facility that produces millions of locks yearly. At present, we cannot provide a set date for the fulfillment of the shipment; I know how much you are anticipating this - I am as well, and together with the whole team, we are working around the clock to bring this to you as soon as possible with the top quality that we have outlined.
On December 20th, we are dispatching five locks to random backers for pre-production evaluation purposes.
To summarize the impact on the overall schedule, You will have the LAAS O-lock
Before the bike season starts.
What has happened to the lock?
As mentioned, the material integrity, strength, and overall hardening properties is upgraded with the increased material thickness of the pipe. The previous tube did pass the insurance testing in Denmark, but we learned that the Dutch ART II is harsher, and we would have failed that one. The same concern applies to the shackle and some various internal structural parts.
Convenient charging via USB-C:
Another upgrade has been the change to USB-C charging. The replaceable battery was good in theory, yet waterproofing the lid proved highly challenging; this has resulted in a built-in rechargeable battery solution with a USB-C charger, which everyone is familiar with. That has also corrected the production difficulties in waterproofing.
Bluetooth range
We have optimized the position of the Bluetooth antenna. The previous antenna angled downward, pointing straight to the ground; the new position is located under a button on the side structure, increasing the range from 1 to +10 meters.
To achieve this, we had to make a custom antenna design rather than using the off-the-shelf unit we started with.
Recycled and recyclable, this is big!
Recycle the O-lock as metal and electronic waste by lose a single screw, and pull out the watertight unit made from recycled plastic that holds the motor, batteries, and electronics.
The method is patent pending and makes LAAS the first Smart lock, not generating a pound of electronic waste for every lock sold.
And don't worry, it's only possible to divide an unlocked lock.
Dear all,
Here is the latest check-in from LAAS. The team is in China, working directly with the production facility, and below, you will see some of the product outputs. I can't wait for all of you to receive the locks - really think you will love them.
On Saturday, the 23rd, we shipped out the pre-production locks except for the Danish testers. Next week, the Danish testers will receive their locks in Copenhagen.
Once this has been completed, we will issue the approval for the app store listing and the locks assembly at the production facility. Raw materials are already in place, so there is no delay in procuring the necessary materials.
Attached are photos of the final packaging, which is how you will receive the locks.
Greetings from China.
Marcus & the LAAS team
We’ve just returned from a well-needed summer holiday.
First and foremost - sorry for not updating you and for not being responsive. We assure you we are back on ‘all engines running’ now.
While we were away, our firmware developers worked tirelessly on encryption.
The main bottleneck that we experienced was related to firmware encryption. Yet, throughout the summer, we have solved all bottlenecks and issues that are/were preventing us from starting mass production.
We know we are testing your patience. We have good progress, and you will receive your locks. That is still a promise.
We could use the help of some of you to test the preproduction locks.
And to kill two birds with one stone, you will also see proof of us doing something.
Email us at [email protected] if you want to test, and we’ll draw lots. If we select you, we will ask for shipping info, so just write hello.
Enjoy the rest of the summer.
All the best,
Marcus