Last updated on January 14th, 2016 at 01:35 pm
The DAQRI Smart Helmet (DSH) may have generated the most buzz at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES). And why not? This smart product could be the device of the future for any professional working in industrial fields.
Although the helmet may look like something out of an early-1980s sci-fi movie, the conventional hard hat is enjoying a 21st century makeover with this high-tech wearable.
The industrial device establishes an augmented reality for a worker in, for instance, the oil and gas sector. The helmet shows the worker what they need to do in addition to what they’re already working on. Workers can look inside objects, like pipes, in real time and peer into diagrams and maps to find out possible problems at a much faster pace.
Instructions can sometimes be difficult to convey, which often leads to errors and delays. But the smart helmet provides instructions in a clear way and cuts down on mistakes while speeding up the intake of data.
For the first time since the development of augmented reality, this human machine interface is a practical solution for engineers, contractors and producers in the workplace, claims the manufacturer Daqri, a wearable tech firm with locations in the United States and Ireland.
The helmet is powered by a sixth-generation Intel Core m7 processor and Intel’s RealSense technology so this allows the helmet to employ numerous and advanced features. Some of them include:
- 13MP HD Camera for photo and video capture.
- X-ray vision, thermal vision and infrared sensors.
- 2D target recognition and tracking as well as object/color recognition.
- Four-microphone device with integrated power, volume buttons and an audio output jack for protective headphones.
- 360-degree array for sensors to track the movement of the user.
The company’s patented lensing technology is made to synchronize focal distances between the physical world and the data displayed on the HUD.
The helmet itself is very safe, too. The inner shell is a cast aluminum and carbon fiber composite and the outer shell is an injection-molded plastic. The creators note the helmet is heavy, but that’s mostly due to the battery pack. They believe they’ll be able to bring the weight down to the size of a traditional hard hat.
What do the experts say? So far, it’s getting the thumbs up from a lot of outlets.
CNET writes:
The Daqri helmet may not be anything like a refreshing drink, but it is an industrial application that uses AR in a practical way — one that’s sure to become more integrated in other workplace environments, too.
Digital Trends says:
Engineers, architects and project managers of all kinds would likely find this a life-saver, sometimes literally.
The smart helmet will be available for purchase in the first quarter of 2016. The helmet, in addition to a bundle, will come with a price-tag of between $5,000 and $15,000 per unit.
Our thermal capabilities capturing heat data (and our cell phone camera) at the @Intel booth #CES2016 pic.twitter.com/LsmTGqA3fS
— DAQRI (@DAQRI) January 6, 2016
Many have compared it to Microsoft’s HoloLens headset or Google Glass since both showcase data in front of your eyes. However, this is more of a product for industry rather than the consumer.
In other words, it isn’t a helmet you’ll be playing around with on your sofa.
