Paris, France — Dassault Systèmes (Euronext Paris: FR0014003TT8, DSY.PA) celebrated a significant milestone in inclusive mobility today, as Kazuhiko Kanno, a paracyclist and employee of the company, set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the farthest distance traveled by handcycle in one hour. Kanno achieved this remarkable feat by covering 28.331 kilometers (17.6 miles) on October 3, 2024, at the Longchamp cycling ring, a 3.541-kilometer (2.2-mile) circuit located in the Bois de Boulogne park in Paris, completing eight laps within the hour.
Following Kanno’s record-setting achievement, Dassault Systèmes hosted the “Mobility Night Ride” on October 4, which attracted approximately 3,000 participants for an 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) cycling and roller-skating event through the streets of Paris, further celebrating Kanno’s accomplishment.
Kanno’s achievement, along with the Mobility Night Ride, is part of Dassault Systèmes’ “The Only Progress is Human” initiative. This initiative seeks to raise awareness about contemporary societal and environmental challenges while inspiring individuals to leverage the virtual world to foster sustainable innovations for a brighter future. The company organized the record attempt and the night ride to emphasize the necessity for mobility solutions that are accessible to everyone, while also showcasing how virtual twin experiences can serve as catalysts for developing inclusive technologies and urban environments.
“Everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, possesses the capability to achieve their goals. Kazuhiko Kanno’s record-setting achievement represents more than just speed and endurance – it reflects his incredible strength and skill,” said Victoire de Margerie, Vice President of Corporate Equity, Marketing & Communications at Dassault Systèmes. “Through our initiatives, we aim to highlight the potential of the human spirit and the pivotal role of virtual twin experiences in developing new mobility solutions that foster inclusivity and accessibility.”
With over 50% of the global population residing in urban areas, effective mobility is essential for accessing resources, employment, and services. However, traditional infrastructures and technologies often fail to meet the diverse needs of these populations.
By integrating virtual twin technology into urban planning, architecture, and transportation systems, as well as in the design of travel, sports, and healthcare products, innovators can simulate and analyze the effects of various factors on individual mobility. This approach enables the creation of more accessible, sustainable, and accommodating technologies.
Dassault Systèmes’ 3DEXPERIENCE platform and its suite of applications are employed by innovators worldwide to develop seamless and sustainable inclusive mobility solutions, including prosthetics, wheelchairs designed for rugged terrains, bikes for outdoor enthusiasts, optimized transportation planning, and assistive systems for the visually impaired.
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