Unlike other smart helmet projects we've seen in the past like Livall's smart cycling helmet and the crowdfund disaster that was Skully, Saphibeat Technologies wants to smarten up the headgear you already own with PhiPAL.
The small device can be mounted to most standard sports helmets whether that's for cycling or jumping on a motorbike. It's packed with an array of motion and altimetric sensors that are able to monitor elements such as acceleration, position, orientation and altitude.
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When any drastic changes in those metrics are detected, it signals to the device that an accident may have occurred. That then sets off a pre-alarm mode that aims to verify the user's conditions. If the device believes the user is unconscious, it then initiates an alarm procedure.
It also uses the startup's own AI algorithm that monitors the body and tests any strange behaviour by looking at previous performance, speed, acceleration and implied forces history. It's hoped that the sophisticated detection system will be not only be able to identify accidents, but also pick up on health conditions such as heat stroke or heart attacks.
If you happen to be stranded out on a mountain skiing or out on your bike, there's GPS on board to send out you altimetric data to pinpoint your exact location. A distress call can then be sent out to emergency contacts and local authorities that can be pre-programmed.
It's not just about safety though. The PhiPAL uses those sensors to track performance so it doubles as an activity monitor as well.
There's two models; a basic version that features cellular support for sending out emergency distress messages, while the Pro model includes satellite communications when cellular coverage is not available.
The iOS and Android friendly device is ARM powered and you can expect to get up to 5 days standby in normal use for the entry model and 3 days for the Pro model. It uses two batteries, with the main battery covering normal features and the secondary dedicated to the emergency mode and send distress call.
The PhiPAL Kickstarter campaign is up and running and has already raised over $20,000 as it chases $50,000 with plenty of days left to run on the campaign. A pledge of $99 will get you the basic model, while $199 will get you the Pro model. An estimated delivery date is slated for September 2017.
How we test
By Michael Sawh
Michael Sawh has been covering the wearable tech industry since the very first Fitbit landed back in 2011. Previously the resident wearable tech expert at Trusted Reviews, he also marshaled the features section of T3.com.
He also regularly contributed to T3 magazine when they needed someone to talk about fitness trackers, running watches, headphones, tablets, and phones.
Michael writes for GQ, Wired, Coach Mag, Metro, MSN, BBC Focus, Stuff, TechRadar and has made several appearances on the BBC Travel Show to talk all things tech.
Michael is a lover of all things sports and fitness-tech related, clocking up over 15 marathons and has put in serious hours in the pool all in the name of testing every fitness wearable going. Expect to see him with a minimum of two wearables at any given time.