M.I.T. developed a "Smart Helmet"

[annguyen1981]

http://news.windingroad.com/auto-news/mit-prof-invents-smart-helmet-that-warns-of-road-hazards/

MIT Prof Invents 'Smart Helmet'
That Warns Of Road Hazards

We don't normally think of MIT professors as riding around in motorcycles, but Ted Selker is just such a specimen. Better still, he's applied some of his experience as a research scientist and bike lover to create a 'smart helmet.'

Selker's lid has an internal microprocessor that allows the rider to tip his or her head to the side to activate turn signal beacons on the back of the helmet, among other functions.

Most impressively, Selker's invention warns of road hazards ahead, thanks to an integrated GPS. Basically, the helmet has a voice-activated microphone that's tied into the navigation system, which allows the rider to affix voice 'notes' to a given GPS coordinate. Therefore, if a rider encounters a pothole or a tricky roundabout, he or she can make a note of it, only to have the helmet warn of it in advance the next time through.

The brain bucket not only keeps the rider safe, it has an MP3 hookup, and naturally it's also equipped with Bluetooth for hands-free telephoning.

[RVertigo]

Yeah...  Totally safe riding down the road jamming out to some music, while you're on the phone, signaling with your head, and programming potholes into your helmet. 

[3imo]

does that thing fit him?  is it supposed to look like that?

Helmet is kinda cool tech wise,  but I don't like gadgets on a bike. maybe an MP3 player, but all that other stuf contradicts why I ride.

Maybe if the warnings came before you noticed the hazard. That would be trick. like some kind of hazard datbase or something like wikipedia, I dunno.

And how safe would it be to "affix voice 'notes' to a given GPS coordinate"  whiel recovering from a hazard?  Do you push a button? nod your head three times?  voice activated?

then again, how accurate is the GPs?  MIL SPEC?  or could it be ten meters off?  If the system warns you 50 yards off, wouldn't you be a bit distracted until you see it? looking for the hazard instead of keeping track of the cager or rider in front of you?

I hate to be negative but......I don't see much promise, especially comming from M.I.T.




mmm...my opinion is ripe ain't it?

[Kasumi]

Imagine its potential for road racing though. Sports like the isle of man TT etc... You could program in your race instructions just like having a co driver. Sweeper left - 3rd gear blah blah. Telling you whats coming up. That would be so kool.

[tussey]

Unfortunately while cool putting that thing on your head reduces your chances of gettling laid to 0%. Sorry 

[3imo]

Imagine its potential for road racing though. Sports like the isle of man TT etc... You could program in your race instructions just like having a co driver. Sweeper left - 3rd gear blah blah. Telling you whats coming up. That would be so kool.

Good point.  But I dunno, someof these sportbike tracks and the speeds the bikes run just might not allow enough time for it to register in your head.
I wonder what pablo's take is on it.

I don't race.........on real roads ...on real bikes....awake. 

[dgyver]

Do not forget the rest of the suit.....



http://www.tronguy.net/

[Turd Ferguson]

Hahaha!  Tron Guy?!?!?!  He has a bunch of hilarious, yet dignity removing pictures on his site and then he tries to advertise for his computer consulting business?



-T.

[Dr. Love]

It's like KITT! 

[scottpA_GS]

  DG