One of the goals of this EU Horizon 2020 project was to stimulate interdisciplinary design and material research, process optimization and to develop less toxic and more eco-friendly alternatives in the field of printed electronics.
The unique helmet shape derives from wrapping flat printed organic photovoltaics around the helmet form in order to use the whole surface for recharging the printed organic batteries to power all electronic components.
Printed piezoelectric bone conduction speakers are heat pressed onto the leather straps. An embossed form ensures that the speaker surface is slightly pressed against the area in front of your ears. The speakers connect via Bluetooth to your smart phone and deliver audio without reducing awareness of your surroundings.
Proximity sensors monitor the area behind the cyclist. If a fast vehicle is approaching from behind, left and right piezoelectric haptic actuators start vibrating to warn cyclists.
The printed piezoelectric microphone can understand basic voice commands and controls the turn signal indicator lights.
Once the chin buckle is closed, an electric drive fastens the straps until the helmet sits comfortable and safe. All electric components are controlled by a Nano Arduino and are powered by the printed organic batteries. Both are contained in one unit that sit in the lower rear part of the helmet.
Together with Hadrien Fouin, Beatriz Lobao, Cheng-Yo Lee, Si Han Ho and Yuqin Wu
We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate in this interdisciplinary project. We very much appreciate the contributions of everyone who was involved and would like to mention:
Mari Ylikunnari
Katie Beverley
Antoine Latour
Dong-Bach
VTT
PDR
CEA Liten
University of Glasgow
Finland
UK
France
UK
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 761112
