9 Jun 2015
Loughborough student puts safety first with his prototype for an ‘intelligent’ polo helmet
A Loughborough student’s prototype for a safer polo helmet – complete with a built-in crash sensor – could save lives by alerting emergency responders to impacts and falls that may cause head injuries.
Robin Spicer, 23, a final year Industrial Design and Technology undergraduate from Northamptonshire, has already attracted the attention of leading market retailers and manufacturers with his polo helmet redesign – the ARMIS™ Polo Helmet. It will be exhibited to the public at the Loughborough University Design School Show from Friday 12 June to Monday 15 June, 10am until 5pm.
The unique design contains a ‘crash sensor’ which Robin plans to link to a smartphone app via long range bluetooth. His overall aim is to develop the technology to alert emergency responders to falls and impacts that may require medical attention due to unseen, non-tangible concussions, as well as sending GPS coordinates of where the incident has occurred when the rider is training alone.
The prototype was created using a 3D printer and developed for production, comprising of a crumple zone made of expanded polystyrene, a flexible peak, and a Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) that moves inside the helmet mimicking the brain’s own protection system. The low friction layer reduces the amount of rotational acceleration to the head and minimises the risk of suffering a serious brain injury.
Robin, a polo player since the age of six, said the helmet has been designed with the British Standards in mind, incorporating safety clips, streamlined air vents and a double layered carbon fibre shell to prevent penetrations. Robin was awarded a £350 bursary from the James Dyson Foundation to help bring his project to life as part of his end of year degree show.
Read the press release for a video demonstration and more information.