Smart Helmet - Futuristic Technology for Bike Enthusiasts.

The Smart Helmet was designed with safety in mind but it is so full of interesting and useful features that make it a future gadget of note!

Designer, Ted Selker (research scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab) adapted a BMX bike helmet adding a built-in microphone on the chin bar near the mouth, so that you can make an audible note of hazards and potholes in the road, Integrated GPS technology then records your “notes” and warns you in advance next time you travel that route.

There is a built in IPod and Tape Cassette so you can listen to music, however it can detect important sounds such as an ambulance and the music will be muted. Of course there are wireless features such as Blue Tooth (which will enable you to uniquely identify and interact with other bikers on the same route using the same technology) and a built-in hands free Motorolla cell phone.

Shake your head to start the microphone, and if you happen to feel the need to yell at an irresponsible motorist, a horn louder than your angry voice will be activated keeping you out of trouble.

Thanks to Motion Detection Sensors, the helmet will automatically switch off when placed on a table and left to stand. While on the move, tipping your head to the left or right will cause the blinkers on the back of the helmet to flicker a turn signal.

Ted Selker has deliberately kept the Smart Helmet light as he does not want to “complicate the freewheeling feeling of walking around unencumbered” a standard problem with wearable computers.

There have been four versions of the Smart Helmet since 2001 and each one has had a new function or idea added. It has not been released for Commercialisation yet as the prototype is difficult to make. However it is nearly perfect and Ted Selker says that he can see it retailing at $200 which would include the IPod and Cell Phone.

There is no doubt that the market for an invention of this calibre is huge as any community that needs to wear a helmet on a regular basis will agree, even motorsports are bound to benefit from The Smart Helmet!