Shoei Announces AR-Equipped Motorcycle Helmet
Motorcycles are becoming more technologically advanced and connected with every year. So, as it turns out, is the protective gear. If you happen to be looking for a new helmet, Shoei recently unveiled the GT-Air 3 Smart, the first full-face helmet with fully integrated augmented reality (AR) built right into the visor.
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Shoei’s latest innovation is said to incorporate rider safety technology into cutting-edge display hardware through a factory-built unit.
The GT-Air 3 Smart helmet was created through a collaboration with France’s AR specialists EyeLights, who develop head-up display (HUD), GPS and intercom technology. It looks like any other helmet at first glance, but its latest feature may be the biggest advancement in helmet technology since Bluetooth.
How Does it Work?
The helmet embeds a nano-OLED HUD that projects essential information, such as navigation cues, speed, radar and speed limit alerts, and call notifications, directly onto the inside of the visor within the rider’s field of view. The information appears to “float” about three yards ahead, so riders will keep their attention on the road. The display is customizable, allowing you to prioritize navigation, speed cameras, speed limit information, call alerts or music.
What is the Benefit?
The argument could of course be made that projecting information into a rider’s line of sight could be distracting. However, the technology prevents the rider from looking down at the motorcycle’s display screen or their handlebar-mounted smartphone, which EyeLights claims can improve a rider’s reaction times by more than 30 percent. When seconds can make the difference between an uneventful ride or a collision, that time spent with eyes on the road is valuable.
Technology Integration
The GT-Air 3 Smart hides every component neatly inside the shell, so there aren’t any unsightly wires or batteries hanging out to impact appearance or aerodynamics like some aftermarket communication system solutions.
The helmet features premium speakers, an active noise-canceling microphone, and Bluetooth, as well as an intercom that promises unlimited distance and riders. The helmet is compatible with Android and iOS, allowing voice control integration through Google and Apple. It also touts a claimed 10 hours of battery life. It is also said to play well with other comms devices.
Safety First
Despite all the bells and whistles, the basis of the helmet is Shoei’s AIM (Advanced Integrated Matrix) composite shell, which meets both DOT and ECE 22.06 standards for impact protection and certification.
Available in multiple colors and sizes, pricing is expected to be $1,199 USD. Advanced technology, capability and connectivity don’t come cheap, but you get a lot for the money. Pre-orders are now being accepted.
Dustin Woods
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