The Tandem Bike Powered by a Pedaling Robot

Here's a tandem bike for lazy people.

Joules the Robot is an electric tandem bike, but with a unique power source. On the second seat is a robot—shaped and decked out like a rider—that actually pedals to drive the bike forward.

Speed and steering control remain the responsibility of the front, human rider. The driver can opt to pedal away, or take it easy and enjoy the ride. No word on whether the (unnamed) maker will manufacture consumer-friendly construction kits.

The Joules project was about "fun kinetic design", not "practicality". So it's likely the biker-friendly robot will remain a reminder that "creating real things is great way to spend time, and perhaps a career."