Whether someone is riding a bike for pleasure or training, accidents happen. Helmets are the obvious way to protect riders against head injuries. Still, even then, most products are made of flimsy materials and can only prevent so much trauma. nFrontier, a German innovation studio, took note of the lack of an ultimate helmet that uses the latest technology to give riders the best protection possible. To fill this void, they produced PYLO–a smart bike helmet equipped with high-tech safety features.
Helmet concept
Standard bicycle helmets have a polycarbonate exterior and expanded polystyrene foam interior. These helmets have saved countless lives, but they have their pitfalls, such as poor adjustment abilities, a lack of sensors, and no face protection.
The goal of the nFrontier PYLO is to create an advanced helmet that uses all the cutting-edge technology from the 21st century and to address the parts of standard helmets that diminish protection. nFrontier has incorporated 3D printing into the design process, making it one of the few helmets to be partially made using that technology.
High-tech safety features
Protection and fit
nFrontier will create the helmet’s shell with a 3D printer and a nylon filament. Nylon is one of the most durable materials, and nFrontier included it to ensure the PYLO bike helmet could endure and absorb heavy impact. There will also be a 3D-printed liner and adjustable chinstrap, ensuring the helmet perfectly fits every rider’s head.
For times of bad weather and to help protect the vision of bike riders, the PYLO is fitted with a sleek-looking visor. Pebbles and rain will be much less of an issue, and the user’s eyes will be far less vulnerable.
Audio alerts and signals
When riding a bike, just like driving a car, people can’t see all their surroundings. The latest cars use audio signals to alert drivers when an object or vehicle is dangerously close. The PYLO bike helmet will come with the same technology to avoid collisions.
However, it’s also important to signal to vehicles which way bikers are turning and when they are stopping. On the top of the smart helmet are LED lights that use sensors to detect the movements of the person wearing it. When riders begin to slow down, the helmet will begin flashing to warn anyone behind them. A quick double-tap on either side of the exterior shell will activate the appropriate signal for turning.
App controlled
The owners of the nFrontier PYLO bike helmet will be able to control the sensors, lights, and audio features through an app. From turning on and off the headlights to linking up to the wireless headphones, it will all be possible with a few clicks of a button.
Face shield airbag
By far, the most innovative feature of the helmet is the face shield airbag. In the unfortunate event of a collision, the smart bike helmet will deploy two small airbags from the back of the shell to protect the rider’s face. As of now, the effectiveness of the airbags is unknown. However, if nFrontier can prove the concept works, it could be a revolutionary feature.
Project status
The nFrontier PYLO is going through a review process to determine if it is ready for the market. Once the design is cleared, the company will be able to move into the next phase of production. The best way to keep up to date with the latest announcements is to follow the company’s Twitter account.
Check out the first rough functional prototype of the PYLO helmet – including the airbag technology!
Source: nFrontier
