A Safer Ride, with a Smarter Motorcycle Helmet

Connecting Dark Assets: An ongoing series on how the Internet of Everything is transforming the ways in which we live, work, play, and learn.

Racing down the wide, open highway on a beautifully crafted motorcycle is one of life’s most exhilarating rushes. At least I used to think so, before my wife talked me into taking up safer pastimes.

But Internet of Everything (IoE) technologies may be offering me a new lease on motorcycling. A new product called the Skully AR-1 is being billed as “The World’s Smartest Motorcycle Helmet.” And who am I to argue?

The AR-1 represents exactly the kind of convergence of technologies that will continue to drive new experiences, as IoE connects people, process, data, and things in startling new ways. By infusing video sensors in the back of the helmet, it can monitor the traffic in a driver’s traditional blind spots. But the real magic is in how such sensors interact with other innovations, including smart phones, GPS, Bluetooth, high-speed microprocessors, and heads-up displays.

Put it all together and the rider knows exactly where he or she is going and what is around them at any given moment. They can also access all sorts of other key information during the ride, such as traffic and weather. If any potential threats arise along the way, riders are instantly informed, before any harm results.

All of this information is projected directly onto the face screen. Just as F16 pilots see critical data in the thick of combat — without taking their eyes off the action — so too can motorcycle riders communicate and be informed in real time.

IoE is changing just about, well, everything, and motorcycling is no exception. People, process, data, and things coming together — even on the Pacific Coast Highway at 60 miles per hour under a brilliant sunset. Where you may just find me, with an AR-1 on my head, and my wife on the back seat … well, probably not.

As for the rest of you, have a safe and connected ride.