Shoei Smart Helmet | Photo credits: Adventurer Rider
Helmet companies are trying to innovate and integrate new technologies into helmets we use every day, not only in the way they build helmets, but also in the way the helmets will connect with the rider and everything that surrounds us while riding a bike. Head-up Displays (HUD) seem to be a great way to do that, and Shoei, one of the leading motorcycle helmets manufacturer in the world, has shown their newest idea: The IT-HT.
Revealed to the public in the latest edition of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the IT-HT is a smart helmet that Shoei is developing in partnership with another Japanese company, NS West.
NS West has a lot of experience and know-how in creating HUD components, since they’ve been supplying HUD screens to car manufacturers. So, it was only logical that Shoei turned to them for help in creating the IT-HT smart helmet.
The HUD screen is positioned between the conventional helmet visor and the eyes of the rider. In it, Shoei plans on showing many different types of information, like speed, GPS instructions, incoming calls, warnings of possible dangers on the road ahead. Anything is possible with this HUD technology.
The IT-HT helmet even has its own intercom system already installed, so the rider can link the helmet with the smartphone, via Bluetooth protocol, and stay connected even when riding the bike.
For the moment, Shoei has only shown a prototype version of the IT-HT smart helmet, but considering it was shown at the most important show for electronic related products, we bet Shoei has something up their sleeve, and a production version of the IT-HT should arrive soon to the market.
This isn’t the first time we’ve talked about smart helmets or helmets that use HUD technology. The latest brand to try this solution is Jarvish, but even before we’ve seen what Skully has done and the good practical results (not so much in business results, as they went bankrupt), not to mention there are a few companies that have created aftermarket HUD systems that you can install on your conventional helmet.
It’ll be fantastic if Shoei, a big motorcycle helmet manufacturer, does indeed bring the IT-HT smart helmet to the market. It will be the first time a big helmet company tries it for motorcyclists, and it might help others to create even more fantastic technologies that will keep us safe on the road.