Local tech company releases smart helmet
Electronic safety gear makes debut in Vegas and at motorcycle show
An Edmonton-based tech company is hoping its new multi-sport smart helmets could revolutionize everything from cycling to skating and even snowboarding.
Schaefer Innovation and its director Chris Schaefer used this weekend’s Edmonton Motorcycle and ATV show at the Edmonton Expo Centre to showcase its new technology.
Schaefer, who was just in Las Vegas for the Consumer Electronics Show, said the helmets come in two designs — water resistant and waterproof.
Both helmets have built-in lights on the back that can indicate to other cyclists and motorists which way a rider is going to be turning.
The lights are controlled by a remote control that fits onto the handlebars so that riders don’t need to remove their hands. A press of a button and the indicator lights turn on.
“It’s technology that people haven’t really seen because it’s new technology,” Schaefer said.
These multi-sport smart helmets don’t just have lights built in, they also have speakers on either side of the helmet so riders don’t need to use earbuds.
A microphone is built into the front of the helmet to allow riders to make phone calls when synced to their cellphone.
“As well, all helmets are equipped with impact sensors so that if you are in a crash, it automatically calls 911 on a 90-second delay, so if you don’t cancel it the call is made and they dispatch the ambulance to your exact location, using the GPS on your phone,” Schaefer said.
People travelling in a group can use the free app with the helmet so anyone in the group can press a button on the remote and speak to everyone in the group at the same time within a one-km radius, like a walkie talkie group chat.
Schaefer said the company got rave reviews for the helmet at the Las Vegas show and was nominated for best new design and best innovation.
Even with all the technology, the helmets are lightweight — the water-resistant model is 350 g while the waterproof helmet is 370 g.
Schaefer Innovation does not have a store in Edmonton but consumers can go to the online store at schaeferinnovation.com