# Hedgehog-Inspired Airbags The i Gel Full-Body Airbag Acts As a Personal Protective Coccoon By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-02-10 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/i-gel References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/hedgehog-inspired-full-body-airbag/35994/) & [igel-systems-protect.de](http://www.igel-systems-protect.de/) The i Gel is a protective system that comprises a [full-body airbag suit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorskins-selk), and is designed for protecting people engaged in a wide variety of potentially dangerous activities including [motorbiking, cycling, skiing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/livall-ai-visual-smart-helmet) and more. The unique hedgehog-shaped contraption was unveiled at the Wearable Technologies Conference in Munich. The i Gel consists of up to 20 nitrogen-activated airbags that inflate to protect the head, torso and lower body. Inspired by hedgehogs' ability to roll into a protective ball, this system cradles the torso and lower body inside a fetal-style ball, helping to protect against injury. The system could also be equipped with [radar and supersonic sensor](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/predictive-safety-engine) that would enable it to detect crashes well ahead of time. This is a great example of next-generation science harnessing inspiration from the humble creatures that have surrounded us for millennia. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.7/10 - Popularity: 86% | Activity: 48% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Full-body Airbag Protection:** Innovative trends in creating full-body airbag suits that provide protection for individuals engaged in dangerous activities. - **Animal-inspired Safety Gear:** Innovative trends in creating protective gear for individuals inspired by animals' natural defense mechanisms. - **Sensor-enabled Protective Wear:** Innovative trends in creating protective wear that are equipped with sensors to detect potential crashes and prevent injuries. ### Who This Affects Most - **Sports and Recreation:** The sports and recreation industry can benefit from incorporating full-body airbag suits into their protective gear and equipment for activities such as cycling and skiing. - **Automotive:** Automotive industries can explore the use of sensor-enabled protective wear and integrate them into car models to prevent injuries in potential crashes. - **Military and Defense:** Military and defense industry can incorporate full-body airbag suits in combat gear to protect soldiers and minimize injuries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Airbag-Integrated Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbag-bicycle-helmet.md) - [Airbag-Deploying Travel Backpacks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stan-airbag.md) - [Safety-Precaution Wearable Airbags](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ydb-airbag.md) - [Protective Airbag Jeans](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mocycle.md) - [Self-Inflating Bicycle Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bumpair-20.md) - [Foldable Air Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-ventete-ah1.md) - [Brain-Protecting Wearable Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brainprotecting-wearable-device.md) - [Featherlight Inflatable Bike Helmets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/inflabi-bike-helmet.md) - [Smart Airbag Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-airbag-platform.md)