DigiLens unveiled a new smart helmet for motorcycle and bicycle riders this week with an augmented reality display that will place real-time data about a rider’s equipment and route in their line of sight.
Bicyclists will receive data about bike speed and gear changes, while motorcyclists will be able to access data about fuel and oil levels. Both types of riders will additionally receive information about their route via maps, accident reports, music and other apps developed for smart helmets that display content in their field of view so they don’t have to glance at their phone and take their eyes off the road.
The new MonoHUD AR waveguide display is thinner and lighter than DigiLens’ previous lens and can be manufactured at a much faster pace because it is constructed from only two inject-coated grating layers as opposed to three. DigiLens says the more efficient process will enable the company to lower production costs and get products to market quicker. The company is looking to partner with developers and other companies who can come up with new use cases for its heads-up display.
“We are already seeing several innovative use cases like motorcycle HUDs and are seeking developers to show us what’s next,” said DigiLens CEO Chris Pickett, in a statement
DigiLens recently secured a $25 million Series C fundraising round from German technology company Continental.
SportTechie Takeaway
A number of companies are using augmented reality to bring data into a user’s field of view and applying the technology across a wide range of industries. In addition to its biking helmet, DigiLens has designed helmets for the ski slopes and a heads-up display for cars.
In November, augmented reality eyewear company Everysight unveiled glasses designed for cyclists with built-in GPS and sensors that could capture and display riding information. Everysight hopes to expand into other endurance and action sports that can benefit from hands-free data, such as sailing and skydiving.