Tag Archives: safety

eufy Wraps the Front Door in Smarter Vision and Power at CES 2026

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The modern front door has a lot to juggle. Couriers drop parcels, friends arrive unannounced, kids race in and out, and somewhere in the background, there is a quiet worry about missing something important or not catching something suspicious. Many homes already have a patchwork of doorbells, lights, and locks that only half cooperate, or lean heavily on cloud subscriptions and frequent battery swaps that never quite stop being a chore.

eufy’s CES 2026 security lineup treats that threshold as a single design problem. The Video Doorbell S4, Solar Wall Light Cam S4, and Smart Lock E40 share a few big ideas: higher‑resolution cameras, AI and radar‑assisted detection, and power systems built to run for months or indefinitely, while keeping most of the intelligence and storage local instead of streaming everything to a server somewhere far away.

Designer: eufy (Anker)

eufy Video Doorbell S4

The Video Doorbell S4 is the greeter. It wraps a 3K sensor into a 180‑degree horizontal and vertical field of view, which means it can see from the ceiling down to the doormat and across the entire porch in one shot. That panoramic view captures faces, packages, and anyone standing off to the side, so you are not left guessing whether a delivery was left just out of frame.

eufy’s OmniTrack technology and built‑in radar focus on people rather than every passing car or branch. As someone approaches, radar detects motion and distance, then AI locks on and adjusts the zoom so the visitor stays centered, whether it is a courier bending to drop a parcel or a neighbor walking up the path. The 3K clarity holds up to around 26 feet, with 16 GB of local storage keeping recordings on the device.

eufy Solar Wall Light Cam S4

The Solar Wall Light Cam S4 is the guardian that wraps light and vision around the entryway or side yard. It combines a 4K camera with an f/1.6 lens and a vertically adjustable mount, up to 45 degrees, so it can look down into blind spots near the wall while still watching the approach. The 4K resolution and color night vision make faces and details legible even when the only illumination is the light itself.

Power is handled by a detachable 2 W solar panel feeding a 10,000 mAh battery, which gives freedom in where you mount it. The panel can sit where the sun actually hits, while the light and camera stay where they are most useful. Multiple lighting modes let the fixture shift roles, daily illumination for paths, brighter security lighting when motion is detected, and festive RGB scenes that turn the same hardware into holiday decor.

eufy Smart Lock E40

The Smart Lock E40 is the final layer at the door, replacing keys and fingerprints with 3D face recognition. A quick glance is enough to unlock for pre‑registered users, which matters most when your hands are full of groceries or luggage, and you would rather not dig for keys or touch a screen. A built‑in 2K camera with a head‑to‑toe view records who is at the door, aligning the lock with the rest of eufy’s camera‑centric security story.

The E40 runs on a PowerDuo system, a 15,000 mAh main battery backed by an 800 mAh reserve that keeps the lock alive during swaps or unexpected drain. It is rated IP65 for weather resistance and carries ANSI/BHMA Grade 2 certification for mechanical security. On the software side, it speaks Matter, Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings, sitting comfortably inside a broader smart‑home setup while doing most recognition and storage locally.

eufy at CES 2026: A Front Door That Thinks for Itself

These three products sketch out eufy’s view of the front door in 2026, not as a collection of unrelated gadgets, but as a layered system where the doorbell tracks arrivals in 3K, the wall light extends 4K color vision and ambient lighting without new wiring, and the smart lock recognizes faces and controls access while adding its own 2K camera. The common threads, higher‑resolution optics, AI and radar, generous batteries and solar, and local‑first design, make the entryway feel less like a tangle of hardware and more like a single, thoughtful interface between home and street.

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Homing Compass Lets a Single Red Arrow Always Point the Way Back Home

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There is a tension in families where someone loves to walk but sometimes forgets the way back, especially in the context of early dementia. Smartphones, maps, and tracking apps can feel overwhelming or unfamiliar, and that often leads to staying indoors instead of going out. A simpler, more tangible way to get home could unlock a lot of small, everyday adventures again, turning a daily walk from a risk into something safe and normal.

The Homing Compass by Aumens is a small wooden device with a single red arrow that always points toward a predefined home location. It looks and behaves like a stripped-down compass, no maps, no text, no menus, just one arrow with one meaning. The promise is straightforward, follow the arrow and you will get back to the place you set as home. It trades complexity for clarity, betting that radical simplicity matters more than features.

Designer: Rens Brankaert (Aumens)

Setup happens once. You press a recessed button near your front door, the compass remembers that location as home, and from then on the arrow always points back there. There is no need to pair it with a phone every time or scroll through options. For the person carrying it, the interaction is reduced to glancing at the arrow and choosing a direction, turning a potentially frightening moment of disorientation into a quick compass check.

Behind that simple arrow is a full stack of GPS, internet, cloud, and an app, constantly updating the compass’s position. For caregivers, the app shows where the compass is on a map, offering reassurance without demanding constant check-ins. The complexity lives in the background, so the person walking only ever deals with the most basic navigation cue, a red line pointing home like magnetic north.

The compass can optionally vibrate or make a sound to remind someone it is there, reducing the chance it gets forgotten in a coat pocket. Accessories help keep it in view at home, so picking it up becomes part of the leaving-the-house routine. The goal is to make carrying it feel as natural as taking keys, not like strapping on a medical device or announcing a limitation to the neighborhood every time you walk outside.

The choice of a wooden housing and analog-style arrow instead of a glossy gadget with icons makes it feel familiar and non-threatening, more like a small object you might already own than a piece of assistive technology. It sidesteps some of the stigma that can come with devices labeled for dementia, framing it instead as faithful equipment for everyday adventures, which is the language Aumens uses to describe both the device and the people who carry it.

The Homing Compass aims for an emotional shift, the person who can go for a walk in the forest or around the neighborhood without carrying a mental map, and the partner at home who can relax instead of worrying. A single arrow that always points home sounds almost too simple, but that is the point. It turns getting lost from a constant fear into a manageable, designed-for scenario, letting people reclaim the small joy of just being outside.

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Life-Saving Pneumatic Inflatable Helmet declared the 2024 Red Dot Award: Design Concept Luminary Winner

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The Ventete aH-1 Cycle Helmet, awarded the prestigious Luminary Winner title at this year’s Red Dot Award: Design Concept, is an innovative take on personal safety for urban cyclists. At a time when cities are embracing cycling as a sustainable and efficient mode of transport, the aH-1 helmet emerges as a design-forward solution, combining portability, comfort, and protection in a way that challenges traditional helmet conventions.

What sets the aH-1 apart is its pneumatic design—a notable departure from the foam helmets that have dominated the market for over five decades. Instead of bulky, rigid foam, Ventete utilizes an inflatable air chamber system that collapses to a thickness of just 3.5 cm when deflated. This compact form allows the helmet to fit easily into a bag or even a large pocket, addressing a key pain point for cyclists who often struggle with where to store their helmets off the bike. When it’s time to ride, a small USB-C pump inflates the helmet in under 30 seconds, providing a quick and convenient transition from portability to protection.

Designer: Ventete Limited

Click here to view more Award-winning designs from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept

Beyond the obvious convenience, this inflatable structure offers functional advantages. Ventete has engineered the aH-1 with a chambered design that significantly improves airflow around the rider’s head. Traditional foam helmets trap heat, often making them uncomfortable during longer rides or in warm weather. By contrast, the air-filled design of the aH-1 promotes natural ventilation, keeping the rider’s head cool. Testing conducted by the Swiss Federal Lab for Material Science (EMPA) confirmed that the helmet’s cooling performance matches that of riding bareheaded, a remarkable feat for a safety device.

While inflatable, the helmet is far from fragile or ineffective. It is fully certified to CE/UKCA standards (EN1078), meaning it meets stringent European and UK safety requirements. Extensive research at Imperial College London’s HeadLab revealed that the aH-1 offers superior protection, particularly against rotational impacts—a leading cause of brain injuries in cycling accidents. With over 15 global patents protecting its design, the aH-1 is a product of nearly a decade of research and development, marrying innovation with practical safety.

The design process, led by Ventete’s team of architects and engineers, was guided by a philosophy that integrates functionality with minimalism. The helmet’s understated aesthetic reflects a growing trend in urban mobility design, where products are expected to seamlessly fit into the user’s lifestyle. Its compact and foldable nature speaks to a more flexible, spontaneous approach to transportation. Produced in Switzerland, the aH-1 also embodies the precision and craftsmanship for which the country is known, ensuring that the helmet is as durable as it is stylish.

The aH-1’s innovative design aligns with the broader cultural shift towards sustainability and urban mobility. As more cities promote cycling as a key component of their transport infrastructure, there is an increasing demand for gear that is not only safe and functional but also adaptable to the fast-paced, space-conscious lives of urban dwellers. By addressing the limitations of traditional helmets, the aH-1 positions itself as a forward-thinking solution for the modern cyclist.

Click here to view more Award-winning designs from the Red Dot Award: Design Concept

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Step outdoors with confidence and peace of mind thanks to this innovative everyday belt

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Despite all the conveniences and marvels of modern technology today, our safety and security are still concerns. The moment we step out the door, we never know what emergency we will be facing, leaving us wondering if we’re properly prepared for any task, challenge, or even danger. The news is always full of reports of crimes that leave people, especially women, wounded and traumatized. We can bring all the tools and safety precautions we need in a large bag, but that not only cramps our style but also impedes our mobility, especially when we’re going out for some exercise. Enter the FitBeltSafeguard (StayFit-StaySafe), a simple yet ingenious everyday belt that you can wrap around your waist any time, giving you access to 17 essential features. Each pocket stores an essential tool you’ll need to be more productive including in an emergency situations where you have to defend yourself or call for help.

Designer: Rojoeyl Aquino (Chiseled Design)

Click Here to Buy Now: $139 $249 ($110 off). Hurry, 488/499 left!

Nothing is more stressful than leaving home only to realize that you forgot small but important things like a reusable bag for groceries, tissue paper, or worse, even your phone. That sense of dread is amplified when you find yourself in a dangerous situation without a way to protect yourself or even call for help. Who says only superheroes can have a utility belt full of tools that can save the day or even lives? With the FitBeltSafeguard everyday belt, you no longer need to leave home unprepared to face any eventuality, whether you’re going out for a run, doing some groceries, or simply enjoying the fresh air.

Built-in anti-skid technology to keep the belt on your waist at all times. Even an extreme training.

This incredibly slim belt features as many as 17 functions with all the hidden pockets, securely behind a flap. All you need to do is pinch the lower reflective lining of the belt and lift it up to gain access to the pocket underneath. No one knows where the pockets are or what they hold except you, thanks to vibrant icons that give you a clue which one is which. To anyone else, it simply looks like you’re wearing a cute but unassuming lumbar support belt like the ones athletes wear while training.

The pockets are also strategically placed where you need them the most. The front pocket, for example, holds your smartphone for quick and easy access at any time. The pepper spray pocket, which is compatible with many types of small pepper spray cans, is on the right where your hand naturally rests, allowing you to instantly pull it out at a moment’s notice. The panic alarm with built-in stainless steel magnetic chain emergency trigger technology allowing for easy activation even when your movement is being limited by an assailant. The loud sound, SOS, and LED the alarm produces ensures that you can be seen and heard.

Waterproof

In addition to these tools for fighting off dangerous actors, the belt is home to everyday essentials that make life so much more convenient, especially for those with active lifestyles. There’s a pocket for hand pads that lets you do pull-ups and push-ups safely without harming your hands, as well as an inflatable cushion for floor exercises or just sitting almost anywhere. You have access to a reusable shopping bag for those unexpected and unplanned market discoveries, while a roll of dog waste bags is also there for picking up after your furry friend. One of the most interesting items in this belt is the compressed tissue paper. Made of biodegradable eco-friendly material, these premium quality tear-resistant rolls of tissue magically expand with a few drops of water and can also be use without any water.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, and the FitBeltSafeguard has room for plenty more, including keys and credit cards. With all those things going inside it, it’s mind-blowing how this everyday belt remains compact and easy to use. Made of premium Lycra, the stretchable and durable material hugs your waist comfortably, and with the integrated anti-skid, you don’t have to worry about it bouncing and shifting, while industrial-grade Velcro makes sure it stays securely fastened around your body. Additionally, all the everyday essentials were specifically designed to fit the pouches perfectly and eliminate the bulkiness. Never again do you need to feel unprepared and vulnerable whenever you step outdoors with the FitBeltSafeguard. This is the one in a life time innovation that we all have been waiting for. A peace of mind for all!

Click Here to Buy Now: $139 $249 ($110 off). Hurry, 488/499 left!

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Self-driving pod helps mobility-impaired pedestrians cross dangerous roads

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Plenty of new automotive technologies and concepts are naturally being made for the benefit of drivers and passengers, but they are supposed to also indirectly help pedestrians as well, at least in theory. With AI at the driver’s wheel, the promise of safer roads is being made, though we seem to still be far from achieving that ideal future. In the meantime, pedestrians crossing urban roads and highways are still at risk, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, and basically anyone who might not be able to cross fast enough before the light turns green again. Current solutions like footbridges are obviously not designed for these people as well, so this concept mobility device tries to take the fight to cars’ own turf by giving pedestrians their very own self-driving vehicle.

Designer: Jiseon Ju, Gawon Min

Roads are, of course, made for vehicles, and sidewalks and footbridges are for pedestrians. That said, there will always be places where these paths meet, appropriately called crosswalks, and people outside of vehicles are always at a disadvantage and at risk. Traffic lights seem to never give pedestrians enough time to cross safely, or make the presumption that everyone can walk at top speed, presuming they can walk at all. These systems are obviously not very accessible and alienate a large portion of the population, and it’s in dire need of a better and smarter solution.

Crosswalk Mobility is a concept for a cubicle on wheels that ferry people from one side of the street to another. It’s basically designed for people with mobility impairments, from the elderly to the injured. Given its enclosed design, it can also be used by parents with toddlers who are prone to suddenly running off while crossing streets. Of course, you can’t have a permanent driver for such a pod, so it naturally uses self-driving technologies to move.

What makes the concept even more interesting is that it works in conjunction with what should be a smart traffic system. In a nutshell, it communicates with traffic lights so that it can extend the red light duration until it safely reaches the other side. Ideally, traffic lights should allocate enough time for people to safely cross, but this system leaves nothing to chance.

The mobility device itself is designed to be powered using solar energy, ensuring its continued operations 24/7. Instead of regular wheels, it proposes using ball-type wheels that can turn more smoothly as needed. The boxy shape has spacious room even for people in wheelchairs and their companions, and the floor-to-ceiling glass panels increase visibility not only for drivers but also for the people inside. It’s definitely an interesting idea that will significantly increase pedestrian safety, but it unfortunately won’t work unless the traffic system on those roads is also upgraded to work with these self-driving boxes.

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Japan’s New Tallest Skyscraper Can Withstand Even A 2011-Style Magnitude 9 Earthquake

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Designed by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s new tallest skyscraper! Featuring an astounding height of 1066 ft, and located in Tokyo, the skyscraper was created to reduce grid-based energy usage by incorporating it with sustainability features. The tower is also designed to be earthquake-resistant, offering sturdy support against the country’s seismicity. It is nestled in the Azabudai Hill development – a new district amped with plenty of green space and other high-rise buildings.

Designer: Pelli Clarke & Partners

The impressive skyscraper is equipped with a glazed facade and a unique form that brings to mind the image of a lotus flower. It features a beautiful crown of four curved glass “petals”, which gives it a lotus-inspired shape and symmetry. The exterior is highlighted with bands of integrated lighting. The lighting is designed by US lighting design company L’Observatoire International, and they seem to gleam magically in the night. The interior of the building houses sixty-four floors and includes a combination of residential and office spaces. The hospitality company Aman will be taking over the top eleven floors, and they will be coined Aman Residences.

Although the Mori JP Tower is Japan’s tallest skyscraper, it is not the tallest ‘structure’. The tallest structure is the Tokyo Skyree which stands tall at 2080 ft, in fact, even the Tokyo Tower is taller than the Mori JP Tower, as it measures 1092 ft in height. However, since the two structures are essentially broadcasting and observation towers, they cannot be included in the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat’s height rankings. But despite this consideration, the Mori JP is a noteworthy construction, as it can function and stand tall in an earthquake as severe as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which had a magnitude of 9.0. This is truly a commendable feat, that will save lives, and reduce destruction. The structural steel tubes of the tower were packed with high-strength concrete, and the building was incorporated with multiple dampers to achieve this feat.

“High-strength steel and concrete components are deployed to balance the structures, and vibration-control devices are placed in core areas where vibration during earthquakes can be efficiently reduced, resulting in high resistance to shaking,” said Mori. “In addition, large-scale vibration-control devices known as “active mass dampers” will help reduce the swaying that occurs at the tops of buildings during strong winds.”

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CRKT’s tiniest Multitool could one day save your life

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Roughly the size of a key and small enough to easily become a permanent fixture on your keychain, the CRKT K.E.R.T. is a small but serious multitool that could easily get you out of a sticky situation. The K.E.R.T. (which stands for Keyring. Emergency. Rescue. Tool.) is a tiny all-metal EDC that packs a seatbelt cutter into its multipurpose design (among other tools of course). If you’re ever in an emergency, the tool could be used to cut yourself free so you can make a quick exit, or potentially help someone else who’s had an accident. Sort of like owning a fire extinguisher, the K.E.R.T. is a tool you probably won’t use often, but you’ll thank the heavens for the day you find yourself needing it. Oh, and when you aren’t slicing through seatbelts, the K.E.R.T. also doubles as a bottle opener, a flathead screwdriver, and a 1/4″ hex wrench.

Designer: Ray Kirk for CRKT

Click Here to Buy Now

Measuring a mere 2.48 inches long, the K.E.R.T. might be one of the most compact emergency tools we’ve seen. The EDC comes made from tough 8Cr13MoV steel with a neat brushed finish, weighing a paltry 0.8 ounces (22.6 grams). The design is a clear example of form following function. It packs the seatbelt cutter, flathead screwdriver, and hex-wrench in the smallest form factor possible that’s still easy to grip and maneuver. The design is ambidextrous too, which means you can use it with any hand.

The seatbelt cutter is sharp but cleverly designed so that it can’t accidentally hurt anyone. The edge sits within a groove that’s perfect for looping around the seatbelt, and the sharp steel helps the EDC slice comfortably through the tough fabric. You can use the K.E.R.T. to also cut other materials like cloth, wrapping paper, or tape, making it handy outside its obvious emergency use. The blade’s safety design makes the K.E.R.T. TSA-friendly, so you can easily travel on flights with it (after all, planes have seatbelts too). As a cautionary measure, though, each K.E.R.T. also comes with a protective vinyl cover that sits right over the flathead screwdriver just in case there’s a danger of it poking you through your pants or scratching your phone/wallet.

Click Here to Buy Now

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This Tiny Palm-Sized Drone is the Future of Battlefield Surveillance and Military Recon

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Quite reminiscent of the Hunter-seeker drones from the DUNE movie series, the Black Hornet 4 is shaping up to be an incredibly small yet exceptionally handy recon drone, capable of flying into areas unnoticed, and helping perform important surveillance required during military strategy and battle planning. This miniature marvel, weighing a mere 70 grams, packs a powerful array of features. Equipped with a 12-megapixel camera, superior low-light performance, and a high-resolution thermal imager, the Black Hornet 4 empowers soldiers with exceptional situational awareness on the ground.

Designer: Teledyne FLIR

However, its true potential lies in its ability to excel in challenging environments. Boasting a flight time exceeding 30 minutes, a range surpassing 2 kilometers, and the capability to withstand strong winds, the Black Hornet 4 navigates even the most demanding situations with ease. Additionally, its low visual and audible signature makes it ideal for covert operations, allowing for discreet deployment and data collection. The system’s ability to function in GPS-denied environments adds another layer of versatility, ensuring reliable operation regardless of external factors.

This innovative technology has already seen significant global adoption, with over 20,000 units deployed. The recent contract awarded by the U.S. Army for additional systems further underscores the Black Hornet 4’s impact. This tiny tech marvel represents a significant leap forward in the realm of personal reconnaissance, offering soldiers unprecedented capabilities and operational flexibility.

Beyond its military applications, the potential of the Black Hornet 4 extends to various civilian sectors. Search and rescue operations in disaster zones, environmental monitoring in remote areas, and even industrial inspections in hazardous environments could all benefit from the capabilities of this miniature marvel. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see the Black Hornet 4, or similar systems, playing an increasingly crucial role in diverse fields, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of miniaturized aerial technology.

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Samsung’s Rollable Phones Will Be Able To Measure Air Quality, Thanks To A New Patent

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Representational Image

Your phone is an absolute jungle of sensors – it can measure temperature changes, pressure changes, touch input, voice input, environment brightness, gyroscopic tilt, movement, among quite a few other things… and now Samsung wants it to measure the air quality around you too. It might seem odd at first (I felt so too), but this feature ties in with the broader approach at making your phone or any other wearable a health-focused device. If your watch can tell you that you’re in a high-noise environment and you should consider protecting your hearing, why not have a phone tell you if the air you’re breathing is polluted or contaminated? A patent uncovered by Twitter user @xleaks7 and tech blog Pigtou highlights the integration of an air quality sensor into Samsung’s upcoming Rollable Smartphones. This effectively helps your phone constantly measure the air quality on a hyper-local level, letting you know if you need to ventilate your kitchen or living room, or if the area you’re in has bad air, prompting you to leave or put on a mask.

Designer: Samsung

Representational Image

Imagine a phone that unfurls to reveal a sensor, discreetly tucked away when not in use. This is the essence of Samsung’s patent. The phone’s rollable display transforms into a gateway for external air, allowing the sensor to take accurate readings without compromising the phone’s sleek design. This eliminates the need for bulky external components, a common drawback of conventional air quality monitors.

But what makes air quality monitoring so important? Air pollution, particularly fine particulate matter (PM2.5), poses a significant health risk. By integrating sensors into everyday devices, Samsung offers a solution for convenient, on-the-go air quality monitoring. This empowers users to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, especially when spending time outdoors or in unfamiliar environments.

Here are a few features highlighted in the patent:

  • Adjustable Housing Concept: Tailors the display size and regulates airflow for precise sensor functionality.
  • Flexible Display Technology: Adapts seamlessly to varying screen dimensions, maintaining device portability.
  • Innovative Airflow System: Channels external air directly to the air quality sensor, enhancing measurement accuracy and speed.
  • Intelligent Opening and Closing Mechanism: Seamlessly integrated with the housing, optimizing sensor performance by managing air intake.
  • Improved Sensor Response Time: Facilitates swift sensor reaction to air quality fluctuations, ensuring timely feedback to users.
  • Built-in Sensor Protection: Shields the sensor from internal contaminants, guaranteeing consistent air quality assessments.
  • Streamlined Design: Maximizes space utilization, keeping the device sleek without compromising functionality.

The implications extend beyond personal health. This technology has the potential to foster a more environmentally conscious society. By raising awareness of air quality fluctuations, users can be prompted to take action, such as using public transport on high-pollution days. This collective effort can contribute to cleaner air and a greener future.

Patent via USPTO

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Hilarious-looking Bicycle Helmet Gives You Bullet-like Aerodynamics… But Is It Worth it??

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“When you see how fast it is, you won’t laugh anymore,” says Jonas Vingegaard, who can be seen adorning the Aerohead II helmet. However, those gains in speed do have a trade-off… you end up looking as if someone designed a Daft Punk helmet for unicorns. And that’s me being very charitable.

Professional cycling, much like any competitive sport, is a constant dance between innovation and tradition. While aesthetics often hold a certain allure, function reigns supreme, which is why we have that viral video of a man who lays down stomach-first on his bicycle and cruises past all his opponents. Here, every component, from the frame and wheels to the rider’s clothing and even posture, is meticulously optimized to shave off precious seconds in the pursuit of victory. Helmets, however, have traditionally occupied a somewhat unique space, balancing safety with aerodynamics and maintaining a familiar, rounded form. The Aerohead II, however, pushes the limits of aerodynamics so far, that it’s worth discussing on a design blog. The one-of-a-kind design focuses solely on reducing wind resistance and redefines the future of time trial helmets.

Designers: Giro and Team Visma

Developed in collaboration with the Dutch racing team Team Visma/Lease a Bike, the Aerohead II looks like it materialized from a futuristic vision board. The most striking feature is the undeniably unconventional, long, wedge-shaped “nose cone” (yeah sure) that extends far ahead of the rider’s head. This design choice, coupled with a tapered tail section, aims to create a smooth, aerodynamic profile, minimizing the drag caused by the rider’s head and neck.

While the helmet’s appearance might bewilder some and inspire some nasty memes, its purpose is undeniable. Time trials are races against the clock, where even the slightest reduction in drag can translate to significant time savings. Unlike traditional helmets designed for everyday riding or commuting, the Aerohead II prioritizes pure speed, making it a specialist tool specifically crafted for the unique demands of time trialing.

It’s worth noting that the Aerohead II isn’t the first foray into aerodynamic headwear for cyclists. Back in 1986, Giro’s original Aerohead, designed for cyclist Greg LeMond, helped him secure victory in the Tour de France. However, the Aerohead II takes things a step further, adopting a more extreme design and incorporating a wider, wraparound visor for improved visibility when the rider is in the low, tucked position crucial for optimal aerodynamics.

The helmet has already undergone extensive testing and made its competitive debut in the opening time trial of the prestigious Tirreno-Adriatico race in Italy. While some riders might have been initially surprised by the unconventional design, Team Visma/Lease a Bike’s head of performance, Mathieu Heijboer, reports that the focus on performance quickly won them over. Heijboer states, “The riders did look up a bit when they first saw the helmet, but in the end that didn’t last long. After a few tests and seeing the gains, everyone was quickly convinced.”

Beyond its immediate impact on the world of professional cycling, the Aerohead II also raises interesting questions about the future of helmet design in general. Could similar aerodynamic principles be incorporated into everyday cycling helmets, offering marginal gains for recreational riders? Or will the focus on pure speed remain exclusive to the high-performance realm of time trialing? Only time will tell, but until then, let’s spend some more time figuring out how to design this helmet so that it makes its wearer look less like a phallus-head?

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