Smart helmet

What do you think if the helmet becomes a smart digital device, not only warns you of risks on the road but also the function of a trendy iPod?

Recently, Professor Ted Selker at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA has released a smart helmet that integrates digital technology with many outstanding features.

On the outside, this black hat looks like other ordinary hats. However, it is designed to minimize noise. The inside is equipped with a PIC smart processor that controls all issues such as controlling the signal light or recording voice requests. It can also record different signals from the brain.

An accelerometer is integrated with a PIC chip to prevent situations where the team shows signs of falling asleep while on the road. When the PIC chip sees the team showing signs of drowsiness, it will emit a sound with a higher volume than the noise from inside to wake up.

The hat also features a mini-iPod and a miniature cassette. In addition, it can recognize sounds similar to emergency signals to stop music when needed. Another function of this smart hat is the voice recording through a built-in microphone of the hat.

The team just moved and talked on the phone thanks to a Motorola mobile phone with Bluetooth connectivity. The hat is also equipped with a GPS navigation device, which helps the team identify hazards on predetermined roads.

Professor Ted Selker has developed four versions of hats since 2001. In each version, he integrates various functions. According to calculations, the commercial price of this hat is about 200 USD, excluding the cost of connecting iPod and Bluetooth. However, he also said there was no intention to bring the hat to market, at least up to this point.

Currently, Professor Ted Selker is continuing to research to further improve this smart hat to help the team communicate with Bluetooth. At that time, the hat can identify the accompanying people and they completely talk together.