SMART Bicycle Helmet Includes Heart Monitor

Mar-09-13 The SMART bicycle helmet lets serious bikers monitor their heart rate in real time without needing to wear a monitor on their chest.

Created by a team at LifeBEAM in Tel-Aviv, the SMART helmet features a sweat-resistant optical sensor that makes contact with the user’s forehead to measure their pulse. The pulse information is sent to a processing unit in the back of the helmet, which uses a 3-axis accelerometer to differentiate between heart rate data and movement artifacts. The data is then sent to a smartphone, fitness watch or cycling computer via Bluetooth, allowing the user to view the information in real time.

The sensors and algorithm were originally developed for use in helmets worn by fighter pilots and astronauts. The development team is currently seeking funding on Indigogo to bring the SMART helmet to the consumer market.