The Smart Helmet Revolution: Where Tech Meets Safety

Safety is a crucial aspect of any workplace and the importance of wearing helmets can’t be ignored. As per global statistics, accidents rates are high at factories, construction sites and roads. Traffic accidents are also a  major public safety problem and a leading cause of disability and death worldwide. The most severe injuries from these incidents are typically to the head. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1.2 million people die each year in road accidents. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42%. 

Ensuring personnel safety while maintaining operational efficiency is essential across all environments and industries. Recent developments in technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), IOT, Sensors  etc have transformed the traditional concept of safety helmets. The idea for smart safety helmets originated from a Smart Safety Ideation Contest in 2016. Today, smart safety helmets are recognized as a significant breakthrough in the safety technology, with many companies investing in making them even smarter.

What can a Smart Helmet do?

Smart helmets include many advanced features such as GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation, health monitoring, sensor data collection, humidity air quality checks, live streaming cameras, and IOT. Market leaders are introducing innovative solutions with more advanced features to be competent.

                                                                          Source: https://rb.gy/hsyxrg 

Safety Enhancements:

• Built-in Sensors: Smart helmets are equipped with sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscope and proximity sensors to detect impacts and alert emergency services in case of an accident.
• Health Monitoring: Real time health monitoring sensors like Heart Rate monitoring sensors and Skin Temperature monitoring sensors provide the wellness details of the user.

Connectivity:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi: These features help in pairing your helmet with your smartphone for hands-free calling, music, and navigation.
• GPS Navigation: This will help in route planning and turn-by-turn directions, thus improving the riding experience.

Additional Features:

• Cameras:  In-built cameras are capable of recording rides and can be used to ensure safety. It can also be used for recreational purposes.
• Voice Commands: Voice-activated controls allow the user to navigate its functions without lifting their hands from the handlebar. 

Need of Smart Helmets for Different industries:

• Mining Industry

One of the key sectors that requires this type of innovation is the oil and mining industry. Workers often operate in hazardous conditions, facing risks such as toxic gas leaks or dangerous chemical reactions that could lead to fires and accidents. Additionally, on mining sites, it is crucial for supervisors to track the workers.

Smart helmets are equipped with sophisticated  sensors like gas sensors and proximity sensors to help detect toxic gas leaks and dangerous chemical reactions, while the GPS system helps track workers in mines.

• Chemical Industry

Chemical plants are high risk centres as the chemicals cause dangerous reactions and cause severe accidents. A smart system can be a lifesaver here. Smart Helmets with in-built sensors can help track any leakages and notify  people about it, thereby avoiding major accidents.

• Construction Sites

Construction sites have always been risky, with dangers ranging from minor injuries to fatal accidents.With features like real time monitoring of the wearer's vital signs and fatigue levels, fall and hazard detection, hands-free communication, smart helmets enhance coordination between work activities while prioritising safety, making them indispensable at construction sites.

• Manufacturing Industry

Manufacturing industries tend to require intensive welding and cutting, and smart helmets offer several protective advantages with these functions.These include auto adjusting filters that protect the welder’s eyes from harmful radiation and allows them to see clearly when not actively welding, thereby improving both safety and efficiency. The helmet visor also displays real-time data on overlay welding paths, temperatures, and other critical information.

• Motor cycling

With the increase in road accidents, the importance of having a quality helmet while driving two wheelers cannot be underestimated. Smart helmets come with the  ideal combination of safety and technology to provide a secure and comfortable riding experience. Features like Bluetooth connectivity, GPS tracking, Voice control, and others provide real-time information like speed, navigation, and incoming calls without requiring the rider to take their eyes off the road.

Innovations Driving the Market

Several major companies are investing in researching and further innovating the Smart Helmet.  For example, Sena Technologies launched the OutForce, a full-face motorcycle smart helmet with Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, integrated speakers, and microphones and at the sametime Huawei introduced the Helmet Phone BH51M Neo, featuring voice commands and Bluetooth calling, powered by Harmony OS.

Lansitec’s cutting-edge IoT solutions, leveraging LoRa technology, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and GNSS systems, offer robust tools for tracking and managing personnel and assets across various challenging settings. The smart helmet market is rapidly growing, driven by many technology integration to improve the safety functions. These helmets are not just protective gear but are becoming sophisticated devices that offer a range of features to enhance safety, connectivity, and user experience.

The Current Market Landscape

The global smart helmet market size was valued at $672.2 million in 2023 & is projected to grow from $779.1 million in 2024 to $2641.9 million by 2032..

Future Prospects

Whether used for motorcycling or industrial purpose, smart helmets are going to change the way we feel about head protection.

The future of smart helmets looks more promising with several potential innovations on the horizon. Enhanced connectivity options with the Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality and advanced health monitoring are key areas where significant research is underway. Keeping sustainability on focus, developing eco-friendly helmets using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies is another important upcoming development in the field.

Conclusion

Thus, smart helmets are on an exciting trajectory in terms of safety, connectivity, and innovation. As technology continues to advance, these helmets will likely become an indispensable part of our daily lives, not only providing advanced protection but a more user-friendly experience.

Sources:  
https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/smart-helmet-market-103519  
https://csvconstruccion.com/helmet-construction-change-sector/ 
https://www.smartworkplacedirectory.ca/blog/not-just-helmets-smarts-helmets-21 
https://www.technologycatalogue.com/product_service/smart-helmet