Originally Posted by
HillRider
That's correct and Shimano has specifically stated they did NOT want to make Di2 an automated transmission.
However, the potential is certainly there. Some additional programming and sensors could provide a completely sequential gear selection and it could be tied to pedal pressure, cadence or what ever parameters they wanted to measure and incorporate.
I was thinking about this on my way into work this morning (by bike of course). At least for lower end groups, an electronic shifting bike with some automatic-like features could be a big benefit. Imagine how much easier it would be for a beginner if they only had two buttons on their handlebars: high and low (or something of the sort). A simple push of either button executes a shift down to the next lowest gear. The computer takes care of deciding whether or not that shift should be a simple rear derailler-only shift or a combination of front chainring and rear cog change. With how good Shimano's shifting under-load with Di2 supposedly is, dropped chains on late downshifts would no longer be an issue. It would be a tough feature to ignore for even more experienced cyclists.