UltraFusion-X1: Thai-made smart helmet with AI for timely warnings
In the past, we've seen numerous startups and smart devices from abroad but had limited opportunities to use them. Recently, a Thai innovation has emerged—the UltraFusion-X1 smart helmet with AI, designed to provide alerts, showcasing Thai ingenuity in its development.
Road accidents, a common occurrence in our daily lives, are particularly prevalent in Thailand, which has a high rate of road traffic accidents. According to a survey by the World Health Organization, Thailand has a road traffic accident fatality rate that ranks 9th globally.
It is well-known that over 80% of injuries and fatalities resulting from road accidents are related to motorcycle riding. While it may not be surprising considering the widespread use of motorcycles in the country, it remains a concerning statistic that various sectors have been trying to address for many years.
This has led to the development of innovative helmet technologies aimed at enhancing the safety of motorcycle riders.
The UltraFusion-X1, a smart helmet developed by the Thai tech startup Protomate, aims to address the challenges posed by motorcycle accidents. This intelligent helmet incorporates an AI-powered system that detects the surrounding environment and issues danger alerts.
Equipped with four directional built-in video recording cameras, the smart helmet provides a comprehensive 360-degree view, enhancing visibility. Motion sensors measure acceleration and angular velocity in three axes, while GPS-enabled sensors precisely determine the rider's position.
Data from these detection systems feed into the AI-Blindspot Warning system, utilizing machine learning to process information and issue real-time alerts about potential dangers during the ride. This technology enhances the safety of motorcycle riders by notifying them of blind spots and potential risks.
In terms of usability, the smart helmet can connect to smartphones through a dedicated application. This allows users to directly control various functions and systems of the helmet, providing convenience for future software updates and improvements. The helmet is compatible with both IOS and Android operating systems.
In terms of safety, the helmet is constructed from carbon fibre composite material known for its high strength, temperature resistance, chemical resistance, and lightweight. The battery used is a solid-state battery that is durable and can withstand significant impacts. Additionally, the helmet has received certifications for safety standards, including TIS. 369-2557 and ECER22.05.
With these features, this helmet is certainly designed to protect the life of the wearer in the event of a real accident.
In addition to serving as a safety precaution with real-time alerts for the wearer, the smart helmet also excels in recording every driving experience through its 4K 30 FPS (Frames Per Second) video recording cameras. These cameras, with a resolution of 12 million pixels, capture detailed images and utilize technology to prevent shaking during video recording, ensuring excellent footage throughout the journey.
The recorded images and videos are stored within the helmet's internal memory. Users can access and manage the recorded content through the company's dedicated mobile application. This application allows users to control recording functions, choose file formats, and turn recording on or off according to their preferences.
Beyond video recording capabilities, the smart helmet features a built-in microphone, supporting instant communication with smartphones. It also includes a noise-cancelling system during conversations, enabling users to communicate via mobile phones while riding without the need to physically handle the device.
The helmet is equipped with Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz WIFI connectivity, ensuring convenience and safety in use. Currently, in the production process, it is expected to be ready for delivery from March 2024 onwards.
The UltraFusion-X1 is priced at 54,900 Baht, while the UltraFusion-M1 model, with only two cameras and no AI system, is priced at 39,900 Baht.
Despite the relatively high cost, when considering the installed features and enhanced road safety, the smart helmet becomes an intriguing option. It serves as another testament to the potential of Thai startups in developing world-class technologies.
