Black Friday Deal: Get 50% Off Memberships Until December 6!
Karl·
Blog
··3 min read

BMW Smart Motorcycle Helmet: A High Tech helmet to watch

http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-motorrad-hud-laser-light-2016-ces/41188/

​

Thanks to BMW’s revolutionary new smart helmet concept, the company is likely to maintain its well-deserved reputation for manufacturing only the highest quality products, including automobiles, bikes, and helmets well into the future. While this particular helmet is not currently on the market, a wearable prototype was presented at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show. The following BMW Smart Cycle review offers a look at what this helmet has to offer riders, including features and benefits, while also addressing one crucial question. When will it be available to the public?

Features of a “Smart Helmet”

Although it may look like any traditional full-face helmet, BMW made a diligent effort not to overlook even the slightest detail while developing their smart helmet concept. Here’s a look at some of the state-of-the-art features, it will offer.

  • Equipped with a head-up display(HUD)and an augmented reality eyepiece created by DigiLens, riders can view everything from their speed to road safety updates, without ever looking down. It will alert you to upcoming construction zones, as well as changes in road conditions. Don’t worry; this information is projected without obstructing your field of view.
  • Upon starting the engine, the helmet will perform a quick check of the motorcycle’s status and let you know if there are any problems with tire pressure or if you are low on gas and/ or oil. If anything changes while you are riding, the helmet will also alert you.
  • You also have the option of programming additional types of information to be displayed in the HUD system, such as current gear, phone call notifications, turn-by-turn directions, the location of other riders, and possibly even more in the future.
  • Includes front and rear view cameras that can be used as a substitute for the bike’s mirrors.The front camera functions as an action-cam, while the back mirror can be used as a rearview mirror or to alert you to blind spots.
  • The helmet can also be synced with a company’s connected bikes, which can be controlled using the a controller of the left handlebar. For internet usage and to allow companies todetermine a rider’s current location, the actual BMW bike can be connected to the rider’s smartphone.
  • BMW is also working to integrate vehicle to vehicle communication into the HUD system.

Benefits:​

http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-motorrad-hud-laser-light-2016-ces/41188/
http://www.gizmag.com/bmw-motorrad-hud-laser-light-2016-ces/41188/

Without any doubt, thebiggest benefit associated with the BMW smart helmet is how much it increases a rider’s safety by eliminatinghis or herneed to take their eyes off the road and check the motorcycle’s instruments or even look behind them. In addition, the helmet will make life and bike riding easier by making the rider aware of changes in the upcoming roadway, as well as providing turn-by-turn instructions (if needed), allowing riders to connect with other riders, and even alerting you to incoming phone calls.

Of course, checking your motorcycle’s status and making you aware of any changes while riding is another benefit.

Potential Cons

​For some riders, the short battery life could be a problem, though it could be easily avoided by purchasing a backup set of batteries.

Although they are not technically cons, it is worth noting that there is no helmet weight available, nor has the helmet undergone any safety testing at this stage.

So, When Can You Get Your Own BMW Smart Helmet?

​Currently, no release date has been set, but BMW does report that they are working on the helmet and have a “huge desire” to release it to the public. Skully also has a similar story. While some estimates suggest it will not be released for at least two or more years, others are more hopeful that it will be out sooner. Right now, there are also no price details available, just another on the list of helmet concepts that I wish I could buy.

Final Thoughts

​It’s easy to see why many riders are looking forward to the day they can purchase and use their own BMW smart helmet. In fact, BMW strongly believes that after one session with this helmet, most riders will not be able to go back to a traditional helmet.

Keep an eye on the “smart helmet” race. One of these companies is about to get into the market first, and like any good motorcycle race – you gotta stay in the lead to win.