- Shoei launches the world’s first helmet with a visor-mounted HUD
- French company EyeLights helped perfect the technology.
- Head-Up Display screens with integrated visor join the Bluetooth audio setup
Japanese helmet maker Shoei has lifted the lid (pardon the pun) on its latest motorcycle tech innovation, including an augmented reality head-up display mounted on one of its GT-Air 3 helmets.
The technology, created by French company EyeLights, projects important information directly into the driver’s line of sight and the company claims it can improve reaction times by more than 32% by eliminating the need to look at an infotainment screen.
As modern motorcycles become increasingly high-tech, manufacturers have begun equipping machines with interactive touchscreens and digital displays that, while offering a wealth of information, can often be difficult to see and interact with when on the road.
Shoei and EyeLights technology hopes to improve this by transmitting data such as current speed, turn-by-turn directions and any incoming calls to an area at the top right of the helmet visor.
This technology has been seamlessly integrated into a high-quality helmet, and EyeLights says the nano-OLED display, rechargeable battery, microphone, Bluetooth headset and cabling have been pre-installed on the GT-Air 3, rather than being a bulky and sometimes difficult to install add-on.
As with other Bluetooth communication units, the device included in the helmet works in both online and mesh mode, where a series of intercoms are connected so that riders can stay in touch during a road trip. It also works with Siri and Google voice assistants to operate the smartphone’s functionality.
The app, which we assume runs in the background on a smartphone carefully placed in a pocket or mounted on a bike’s handlebars, then offers navigation instructions, precise GPS speed data, and information about incoming calls and messages.
Additionally, since this is Shoei, the helmet meets internationally recognized safety standards, including DOT and ECE 22.06.
Passive safety is activated
Several helmet companies have revealed production-ready concepts or lids that go beyond simply protecting the head in the unfortunate event of an accident.
GoPro announced that it is working with Italian helmet manufacturer AGV to produce head protection that includes its renowned action camera technology.
Cardo, a manufacturer of intercom systems, also introduced its own helmet last month that features the necessary microphones and headphones neatly integrated into a sleek carbon fiber helmet.
It also includes active noise cancellation, meaning drivers would theoretically not need to wear earplugs to drown out engine or traffic noise, plus a rear brake light and the ability to detect any damage to the outer casing with built-in sensors.
In addition to this, Intelligent Cranium Helmets has launched a product that, like the Shoei cap, also includes a HUD, but goes a step further by incorporating two cameras on the rear that provide a clear image of what is happening behind the rider, reducing the need to look in mirrors or look over their shoulder.
There’s also a front-facing camera that acts like a car’s dash cam and can record 1080p video for posterity or as evidence in the event of an incident.
It seems that motorcycle helmets are quickly becoming smarter and increasingly feature advancements such as artificial intelligence, OLED and cameras to increase safety. But the downside is that the price is also going up.
The Shoei GT Air-3 Smart costs $1,199 in the US or €1,199 in Europe (around £1,055 / AU$1,860), making it more than double the price of one of the brand’s leading analog tops.
This is a particularly difficult pill to swallow considering that many manufacturers suggest upgrading your helmet every five years to ensure it functions as it should.
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