How we build better tech, faster
The market for shared and company eBikes is booming, but current charging methods pose a serious bottleneck. Batteries wear out too quickly, maintenance costs are high, and careless handling increases the risk of damage and fire. TILER, pioneer in wireless inductive charging for light electric vehicles (LEVs), has developed a system that solves these issues. Thanks to a newly awarded South Holland MIT innovation grant, TILER and Dot Robot are now working together on the next step: a smart charging system combining hardware and cutting-edge data technology.
A unique collaboration powered by regional innovation support
The innovation grant forms a key part of this project’s success. “One of the conditions of the subsidy is to publicly share that the development is taking place in South Holland and directly benefits society here,” explains Olivier Coops, Founder and CEO of TILER. “The grant provides a substantial boost to innovation. It is a powerful instrument to stimulate fundamental research and collaboration between companies in South Holland.”
“The strength of our collaboration with Dot Robot is that we each bring independent expertise to the table, but work toward a common goal,” Coops continues. “We started working together four years ago, initially concerning system design consultancy, but quickly realized the real value was in leveraging Dot Robot’s knowledge on cloud connectivity and monitoring charging processes. We know each other well, there’s mutual trust, and that allows us to move fast as two entrepreneurial partners.”
Both companies are based in Delft and benefit from the vibrant local innovation ecosystem. Their close cooperation has led to a practical partnership where complementary skills come together.
Inductive charging technology made simple and effective
For those who don’t know TILER yet: their patented inductive charging system for Light Electric Vehicles (such as eBikes and electrical cargo bikes) achieves up to 99% efficiency and offers users a seamless experience. The system features a charging tile and a bike stand with a compact Cube module that connects to the battery via a simple adapter cable. The charging surface of around 15 x 20 cm, marked with a bright yellow guide point, allows for intuitive parking without compromising charging precision.
“This visible spot also subtly influences users to park their bikes neatly, helping to solve the issue of bikes cluttering sidewalks in city centers,” adds Coops.
Data-driven charging made possible by DotLink
Willem Zwetsloot, Managing Director and Co-owner of Dot Robot, explains the role of their technology: “We developed DotLink Studio to unlock the data machines are already generating. Whether customers want real-time dashboards, detailed analytics, or raw data streamed into ERP or front-end systems via APIs, DotLink turns dormant data into valuable business intelligence.”
“For TILER, this means our cloud module (i.e. DotLink) not only gathers data on voltage, current, and temperature but also enables dynamic control of charging parameters,” Zwetsloot continues. “The data is used to simplify predictive maintenance; preventing failures before they occur. It also helps streamline operational data to highlight inefficiencies and unlock new efficiencies.”
Innovation with real-world impact
The new smart charging system is expected to extend battery life by a factor of 2 to 3 (and up to 6 compared to current industry standards), reduce CO2 emissions and raw material use, and cut operating costs for fleet owners. The technology has already been exploited at hundreds of chargepoints at customers in NL, Germany, Belgium and Ireland. With both municipalities and rental companies like Evhcle, Baqme, Cargoroo, and Rent-a-Bike Van Dam, in collaboration with NH Hotels.
The project is co-funded under the South Holland MIT R&D program, emphasizing its societal value and contribution to the energy transition and sustainable urban mobility. It aligns with the KIA (Kennis- en Innovatieagenda) national ambitions on climate, energy, and circular economy.
Looking ahead
The ultimate goal is a scalable, retrofit-ready, universal charging solution for a wide range of LEVs. “We want to make light electric transport easier and more accessible,” concludes Coops. “Charging has always been a major pain point for shared eBikes and cargo bikes. With this system, we offer a user-friendly and modular solution that can also help keep city streets more orderly. A soon to be launched plug&play and more affordable product generation will make the technology available for mass market including private e-bikes.”
The partnership between TILER and Dot Robot shows how two agile tech innovators can achieve rapid progress through trust and complementary expertise. Zwetsloot: “CTOs and engineers are cordially invited to explore how DotLink and smart charging technology can inspire applications in their own products and systems.”
Made possible with support from an MIT R&D grant provided by the Province of South Holland and the Ministry of EZK.
Get in touch
If you want to learn more about the possibilities of DotLink or the use of SIM card technology, please feel free to contact Willem Zwetsloot directly.
Willem Zwetsloot
Managing Director / Co-owner
