A smart helmet designed for ergonomic comfort of the rider, and most of all, to ensure fresh air flow when riding through highly air polluted sections of the city.
Air pollution has become a serious health hazard in the last decade, and the problem seems to be only getting worse with over 1.4 billion vehicles on roads worldwide. This value is estimated to hit 2 billion by the year 2035. According to WHO, 90 percent of the world’s population is exposed to highly toxic air pollutants, resulting in over a million fatalities every year. This is exaggerated by the fact that physical activity is simply not there to counter the adverse effects of air pollution, and in fact, this alone contributes to 3.2 million fatalities annually. Of all the motorists on the streets, cyclists are at the most risk as they are exposed to air pollutants.
So how can cyclists be protected against inhalation of dangerous traffic fumes? Nathan Hassanali has the answer in the form of a hybrid helmet mask wearable. Christened Airban, the urban bike helmet aims to take on the unavoidable air pollution crisis. The advanced helmet sucks polluted air, filters it, and then beams pure air onto the fixed face shield that’s at a slight distance from the face. As the rider keeps moving forward, the air passes through the front vents on the front and enters the air channel. Simultaneously air is drawn from the rear via a small brushless fan that projects the air to the breathable position. Air entering the Airban helmet from both these channels is filtered through the HEPA filter which removes 99.97% of 0.3 μm particulates. The activated carbon layer eliminates any smoke, odors, or other pollutants – therefore, beaming the rider with clean air even in the most polluted environment.
The lightweight bike helmet frame is tailored for comfort with the head adjustment system and cushion padding. So you might ask, what drives this system? Well, there are rechargeable batteries on the rear, or the user can opt for a magnetically connected cable that pairs with a portable battery pack the size of a water bottle. So, bulk is not going to be an issue for the practicality of use. The user can holster it to the bike frame or put it under the saddle.
To give the helmet smart characteristics, it can be paired to the phone via an app. This helps detect the changes in speed and increases or decreases the airflow. For example, at the crossroads, the high exposure to air pollution will be negated by better filtering. On the other hand, on open stretches at high speeds, the fresh air flow is reduced through the fan vent. The GPS will also assist in determining the fan’s rpm for a constant flow of pure air.
A smart helmet for accident-prone city streets where spatial awareness is the difference between life and death situation!
More than 700 cyclists are killed every year by other motorists in the U.S. alone, and the graph hasn’t seen any significant drop in the last few years. This is a clear indication of the danger bicycle riders put themselves into every time they head to the streets – making them the most vulnerable participants in public traffic. Although self-driving cars and the level of safety in modern cars have evolved considerably, still bike riders are not being recognized by motorists in time to avert fatal accidents.
Thinkable Studio wants to curb this with an innovative helmet design that equips cyclists with their own set of spatial awareness tech to avoid accidents. Called the savAR helmet, this piece of bicycle accessory is loaded with augmented reality and artificial intelligence components to naïve the traditional helmet protection methods. The ever-evolving smart software of the helmet and the AR waveguide technology enhances the rider’s awareness of the crowded streets and other motorists nearby by quite a few notches.
With time the AI learns the riding behavior and in a way looks out for the rider with the 360-degree camera vision to the rescue. Even before an impending danger can turn ugly, the software anticipates the unusually fast approaching vehicle from any direction and alerts the cyclists to take the lifesaving action to avert any collision. The AI calculates the potential course of collision and the time to the impact. This is aided by the waveguide tech embedded in the visor of the helmet which gives the rider a full picture of the incoming dangerous vehicle. To enhance the warning systems’ capability, there are both visual display warnings and audio alarms via the embedded speakers.
To give other motorists a clear idea of what you a rider intend to do, there are ultra-bright LED turning signal lights and smart braking lights that can be activated via Bluetooth control and voice activations system. The smart helmet is compatible with phone or cycle computer to view all the stats, route maps, and other heads-up data that is important while riding. To take safety to the next level, savAR has embedded MIPS impact protection layer and ride recording capability for capturing any unfortunate incident as proof for later on.
We’re seeing an unprecedented shift to biking. It’s healthy, inexpensive, and in a world where we’re all working from home, it’s more expedient because commutes are usually much shorter – to the grocery or a friend’s place and back. However, it has its share of issues too… Most biking accidents occur because bicycles are inherently quiet and relatively invisible – especially in low-light conditions.
The FARO helmet hopes to make bicycling safer and more convenient during this cycling-boom. It comes with a sleek design that’s reminiscent of the kind of helmets scooterists wear, and sports LED strips on the front and back, along with their signature Hidden Light that helps people around you be aware of your presence. The helmet’s integrated lights are a more effective alternative to bike-mounted lights that often get stolen or just aren’t visible enough because they are located down low. Given that FARO’s lights are at eye level, they provide maximum visibility too, while also giving an indication of the direction you’re looking in.
By combining safety along with style, and a slew of smart features, the FARO is a helmet that’s designed to be desirable. Its sleek hard-shell design comes with minimalist vents for easy air-circulation, a weatherproof Fabric Liner on the back, and a uniquely pleasant magnetic closure around your chin. While its sleek, minimalist aesthetic truly sets it apart (making it perhaps one of the few helmets you’ll WANT to wear), its smart features like the automatic brake-light, fall-detection, and a sleek handlebar remote (for the indicators) give it the edge over most off-the-shelf bike helmets.
The FARO helmet comes with a protective ABS+PC outer-shell that conforms to International Certification standards, along with a MIPS inner for extra safety. It features an LED strip on the front as well as the back, but its most defining element is the Hidden Light that sits under the fabric liner. All the lights can be personalized via the FARO app, allowing you to set colors and patterns a battery consumption. The helmet has an automatic brake-light built in and uses an accelerometer to detect when you’re slowing down. The handlebar remote lets you easily switch on the FARO’s indicator system, which lets drivers behind know which way you’re turning. You can also connect your helmet to the app and activate the fall-detection feature, allowing you to send out an SOS alert to an emergency contact if you ever suffer a fall.
The helmet comes in 3 sizes, with 4 different colors to choose from. Once you determine your size, an internal fitting mechanism lets you adjust the fit perfectly to the circumference of your head. Made to be worn anytime, and even in any weather, the FARO comes IPX6-certified, which means it can easily handle rainfall. An internal 1850mAh battery allows you to use the helmet’s smart-features for up to 10 hours on a full charge, and the helmet also has a USB port that allows you to charge it every few days – so that you’re always visible and always safe!
Designers: Javier Bertani, Marcos Madia & Juan Garcia Mansilla
FARO by UNIT 1: A Sleek, Visibility-First Smart Helmet
A smart helmet that delivers style, safety, and comfort with a state-of-the-art light system, ventilation, MIPS, and fall detection.
Stay Visible
Cycling accidents on the street are often caused by a lack of visibility and unclear communication. Drivers and other riders not seeing you well enough or not knowing what you’re going to do next. 80% of riders use cycling lights and still don’t feel safe. Why? Because they’re small and sit quite low. On top of that, they are easily lost, forgotten, or even stolen.
Helmets usually work the same way as seatbelts: they only work for you the second you get hit (which can save your life obviously).
How can a helmet work for you all the time? You put lights on it. They are bigger, much higher and more visible than regular cycling lights – that’s exactly what they did with FARO.
Stay Comfortable & Safe
Every FARO was designed up to International Certification standards. To take it up a notch, they partnered up with MIPS – a Swedish company at the forefront on helmet safety – to take FARO to the next level in terms of safety.
Fabric Liner
FARO’s backside features a fabric-covered portion. This fabric is tough, tear-proof and waterproof, the same kind used in those speakers you can throw in the pool.
But how do you put lights on a helmet without making it look like sci-fi? You cover them up with a classy fabric liner. During the day you rock that fabric that looks & feels amazing. At night…the magic happens.
The Navigation Remote
Sometimes being visible is not enough and you need to let others know you’re stopping or about to make a turn. FARO can be upgraded with a handlebar remote to incorporate an automatic brake-light and turn signals.
The FARO App
There is a great degree of functionality in the app that will let you personalize your helmet in every way and even measure & track what your riding does for the environment (as opposed to driving).
Perfect For Any Weather
Designed up to IPX6 waterproof rating. The electronics are fully sealed and the fabric – in case you were wondering – is the same fabric used on Bluetooth speakers.
We’re seeing an unprecedented shift to biking. It’s healthy, inexpensive, and in a world where we’re all working from home, it’s more expedient because commutes are usually much shorter – to the grocery or a friend’s place and back. However, it has its share of issues too… Most biking accidents occur because bicycles are inherently quiet and relatively invisible – especially in low-light conditions.
The FARO helmet hopes to make bicycling safer and more convenient during this cycling-boom. It comes with a sleek design that’s reminiscent of the kind of helmets scooterists wear, and sports LED strips on the front and back, along with their signature Hidden Light that helps people around you be aware of your presence. The helmet’s integrated lights are a more effective alternative to bike-mounted lights that often get stolen or just aren’t visible enough because they are located down low. Given that FARO’s lights are at eye level, they provide maximum visibility too, while also giving an indication of the direction you’re looking in.
By combining safety along with style, and a slew of smart features, the FARO is a helmet that’s designed to be desirable. Its sleek hard-shell design comes with minimalist vents for easy air-circulation, a weatherproof Fabric Liner on the back, and a uniquely pleasant magnetic closure around your chin. While its sleek, minimalist aesthetic truly sets it apart (making it perhaps one of the few helmets you’ll WANT to wear), its smart features like the automatic brake-light, fall-detection, and a sleek handlebar remote (for the indicators) give it the edge over most off-the-shelf bike helmets.
The FARO helmet comes with a protective ABS+PC outer-shell that conforms to International Certification standards, along with a MIPS inner for extra safety. It features an LED strip on the front as well as the back, but its most defining element is the Hidden Light that sits under the fabric liner. All the lights can be personalized via the FARO app, allowing you to set colors and patterns a battery consumption. The helmet has an automatic brake-light built in and uses an accelerometer to detect when you’re slowing down. The handlebar remote lets you easily switch on the FARO’s indicator system, which lets drivers behind know which way you’re turning. You can also connect your helmet to the app and activate the fall-detection feature, allowing you to send out an SOS alert to an emergency contact if you ever suffer a fall.
The helmet comes in 3 sizes, with 4 different colors to choose from. Once you determine your size, an internal fitting mechanism lets you adjust the fit perfectly to the circumference of your head. Made to be worn anytime, and even in any weather, the FARO comes IPX6-certified, which means it can easily handle rainfall. An internal 1850mAh battery allows you to use the helmet’s smart-features for up to 10 hours on a full charge, and the helmet also has a USB port that allows you to charge it every few days – so that you’re always visible and always safe!
Designers: Javier Bertani, Marcos Madia & Juan Garcia Mansilla
FARO by UNIT 1: A Sleek, Visibility-First Smart Helmet
A smart helmet that delivers style, safety, and comfort with a state-of-the-art light system, ventilation, MIPS, and fall detection.
Stay Visible
Cycling accidents on the street are often caused by a lack of visibility and unclear communication. Drivers and other riders not seeing you well enough or not knowing what you’re going to do next. 80% of riders use cycling lights and still don’t feel safe. Why? Because they’re small and sit quite low. On top of that, they are easily lost, forgotten, or even stolen.
Helmets usually work the same way as seatbelts: they only work for you the second you get hit (which can save your life obviously).
How can a helmet work for you all the time? You put lights on it. They are bigger, much higher and more visible than regular cycling lights – that’s exactly what they did with FARO.
Stay Comfortable & Safe
Every FARO was designed up to International Certification standards. To take it up a notch, they partnered up with MIPS – a Swedish company at the forefront on helmet safety – to take FARO to the next level in terms of safety.
Fabric Liner
FARO’s backside features a fabric-covered portion. This fabric is tough, tear-proof and waterproof, the same kind used in those speakers you can throw in the pool.
But how do you put lights on a helmet without making it look like sci-fi? You cover them up with a classy fabric liner. During the day you rock that fabric that looks & feels amazing. At night…the magic happens.
The Navigation Remote
Sometimes being visible is not enough and you need to let others know you’re stopping or about to make a turn. FARO can be upgraded with a handlebar remote to incorporate an automatic brake-light and turn signals.
The FARO App
There is a great degree of functionality in the app that will let you personalize your helmet in every way and even measure & track what your riding does for the environment (as opposed to driving).
Perfect For Any Weather
Designed up to IPX6 waterproof rating. The electronics are fully sealed and the fabric – in case you were wondering – is the same fabric used on Bluetooth speakers.
A perfect example of how generative design can be used to create products that serve their purpose incredibly well, the Voronoi Bike Helmet comes with an unusual mesh on its outer surface. The mesh, created using parametric modeling, helps maximize shock absorption while minimizing material used, creating a helmet that’s effective but also lightweight. Sitting right under the flexible mesh is its underlying hard-hat, made from carbon-fiber.
The helmets unusual design helps it do its job incredibly well. The outer layer cushions impact, while the underlying hard layer protects your skull. Both parts of the helmet use materials and modeling techniques that help them fulfill their requirements while being extremely lightweight, so you never really even feel like you’ve got a helmet on your head!
The Voronoi Bicycle Helmet is a winner of the A’ Design Award for the year 2020.
Biking… It’s healthy, economical, and good for the environment. It’s also quiet, and doesn’t protect you from damage the way a car and its seatbelt does. Most biking accidents happen because bicycles are inherently quiet and relatively invisible – especially in low-light conditions.
The Lumos Ultra smart helmet’s approach to protection is two-fold. Not only does it function as a traditional helmet, guarding your head against any impact-related injuries, it dramatically increases your visibility and your predictability to drivers around you. The Lumos Ultra is a high quality and aerodynamic cycling helmet that’s integrated with front and rear bike lights, as well as rear-mounted indicators to help people behind you see, and react to your intentions.
The helmet’s integrated bike lights are a more effective alternative to bike-mounted lights that often get stolen, or just aren’t visible enough because they are located down low. As the lights are positioned on your head, they are now at eye level which provides maximum visibility, and can also be an indication of the direction that you are looking at.
The lights are bright and wrap around the sides too, giving you 360 degree coverage which makes you visible to motorists all around you… a feature that’s pretty important considering how most cars and motorcycles travel faster, and need to constantly overtake bicycles.
The James Dyson Award-winning helmet comes with a tough, crash-test-certified design that’s also IPX6 water resistant. The button at the rear of the helmet allows you to turn the helmet on/off and toggle the light modes. The indicators can easily be controlled either via an included remote that straps to your handlebar, or by using an Apple Watch that utilizes gesture recognition technology. You can even use Lumos Ultra’s smartphone app to further customize your helmet blinking patterns, control battery life or track your ride.
The helmet’s design comes with air vents that optimizes for ventilation, while helping to cut down the product’s weight to a mere 370 grams. The Lumos Ultra is available in three different sizes and can be equipped with a visor for shade, and is also available in MIPS for increased protection against rotational forces. The helmet also sports a USB-C port that allows you to charge it, providing hours of light emission on a full battery… so that you’re always visible and always safe!
The Lumos Ultra has integrated LED lighting, turn signals, and smart features to keep you safe in one sleek package.
Be more visible.
Be more predictable.
Simplify your ride.
Issues With Cycling
Lumos Ultra Solves All
How It Works
1. Turn it on.
2. Signal your turning intentions.
3. Stay alive.
Lumos Ultra Features
Activating The Turn Signals – Lumos Ultra comes included with a wireless handlebar remote to make signaling as easy as pressing a button.
Got an Apple watch? You can control the turn signals on Lumos Ultra by simply raising your arm.
Keep the sun and rain out of your eyes while you ride with an optional attachable visor.
Lumos Ultra User Review
Here’s what some of their beta testers had to say.
What Makes Lumos Ultra Special
COB Technology – Chips On Board (COB) is a method of LED packaging which has a number of advantages over more conventional technologies. It allows for a more compact footprint whilst delivering a higher intensity of light meaning you’ll be seen from further away. It is also what gives the lights a more uniform look.
Maximum Venting – The team has created 3 enormous exhausts in the rear to ensure hot air gets pushed out helping to keep the rider cool whether on a commute or on a training session.
Crash Testing – The initial crash tests on beta units show that they pass with plenty of safety margin to spare.
Weatherproof – The Lumos Ultra is built to IPX6 standards, to withstand the elements and keep you riding bright, come rain or shine.
Lightweight – Ultra is estimated to have a final weight of 370 grams.
Lights High Up Matter – There are multiple benefits to wearing lights high up on the head. Firstly, it makes it possible to be seen more clearly by motorists on the road. You’re less likely to encounter a situation where your lights are being blocked by parked cars or other things on the road. Secondly, by illuminating your head, it’s much easier for motorists to see where you’re looking and thus know approach more carefully.
More Sizes – Lumos Ultra is the helmet for everyone, from kids to even bigger kids. It is available in the sizes S, M-L and XL, and they are all equipped with a click-dial fit system to ensure that helmet sits firmly yet comfortably on your head. More colors in the offering as well.
This tiny sensor sticker can save your life – provided you’re also wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. Bikes and motorcycles make it easier to commute and squeeze through traffic during rush hour. However, the chances of you getting hurt when you figure in an accident are pretty high since there’s nothing standing in the way of you and whatever it is that’s about to hit you.
You might already be using some sort of In Case of Emergency (ICE) system now, but one that you really should look into if you bike is the ICEdot. It’s basically comprised of the tiny yellow sensor (that’s the dot on the helmet above) and an app that’s installed on your phone.
The sensor is programmed to trigger your phone to call for your ICE contact once it detects that you’ve been in an accident. It also gauges how severely you’ve been hit. To prevent false alarms, the app generates an emergency countdown which you can manually abort if you just dropped your helmet or took a small fall or something.
The ICEdot will be available next year for around $200(USD). That’s not a bad price, considering that it might just save your life if you crash out on the trail somewhere.
Bike helmets. Many people don’t like to wear them because they’re big and bulky. And for the vain ones, they cause helmet hair. But to be honest, if it were up to me, I’d rather choose all of the above rather than risk my life by going out on my bike without a helmet on.
If only there were some sort of invisible helmet that’ll protect people without all of the negative stuff that comes with most bike helmets.
Oh, wait, there is already one such helmet in the market, and it’s called the Hövding. It’s the first and only one of its kind.
The Hövding starts out as a collar that cyclists are supposed to wear around their neck. There’s a folded-up airbag inside that’ll pop out automatically upon impact, with the trigger mechanism controlled by sensors in the collar that detect any abnormal movements when the bicyclist figures in an accident.
As you can see, the airbag is shaped like a helmet. It inflates in 0.1 seconds so it’s up and over your head before you hit the ground, providing a cushion of sorts to minimize the injuries you might sustain upon impact.
The Hövding took six years to develop and it’s now finally available for purchase. Priced at 3,998 SEK (~$597), it’s not cheap – but if you’re not going to wear a regular helmet, it just might be worth it.
