SKULLY AR-1 Helmet
Late last year, we reported on the introduction of the Nuviz Ride:HUD – a head up display (HUD) that was designed to be installed in a variety of full-face motorcycle helmets. What Nuviz did was adapt military technology to increase motorcycle safety.
The Ride:HUD helmet unit attaches to the chin guard, and is capable of displaying a wide array of information to the rider that is relayed to the unit via Bluetooth 4.0 from your smartphone using the Nuviz Ride:Cloud app. Additionally, will have a built in camera (still and video), along with WiFi and GPS.
As the Nuviz continues towards production, someone else had jumped into the head up display for motorcycle helmets – SKULLY.
But SKULLY doesn’t offer just a unit; rather, the California-Based company offers the AR-1 Helmet, which features Head Up Display, along with a Rear View Camera, GPS Mapping and Smartphone Connectivity.
This will be the first vertically-integrated smart HUD helmet for consumers
In addition to a revolutionary Heads Up Display system that displays information approximately 10 feet in front of the rider, the AR-1 helmet features a near 180-degree rearview camera, turn-by-turn GPS navigation, smartphone pairing and voice control, making it the world’s smartest motorcycle helmet.
The AR-1 was introduced in late 2013 to worldwide acclaim, resulting in more than 100,000 beta tester applications. SKULLY is taking pre-orders for the AR-1 helmet exclusively on Indiegogo. The 30-day campaign will feature the SKULLY AR-1 helmet at an introductory launch price of $1,399.
Full retail price will be $1,499. Limited quantities are available for the expected May 2015 ship date. For complete details on the Indiegogo campaign, visit www.skullysystems.com.
“We are beyond excited to begin production on what has become the most anticipated motorcycle helmet in history,” said Marcus Weller, Ph.D., Founder and CEO of SKULLY.
“We are doing something so few companies have the opportunity to do… we are changing an industry and forcing the world to adapt. The AR-1 is our little dent in the universe. The AR-1 will introduce a new era in intelligent transportation by combining optics, intelligent vehicle systems and connectivity to deliver unprecedented levels of safety.”
The idea behind SKULLY was the result of Weller’s own motorcycle mishap in 2011. Weller averted his eyes to read a street sign when the vehicle in front of him slammed on his brakes, resulting in a crash.
While recovering, the blueprint for what would eventually become the AR-1 began to take shape as Weller realized a Heads Up Display helmet that could have prevented such an accident didn’t actually exist. Within months, Weller and his team created the SKULLY Synapse™ technology platform that enhances awareness of its users by linking advanced heads up display optics to an intelligent network of camera, sensors and microprocessors.
SKULLY AR-1 Features:
• SKULLY SYNAPSE (TM) Heads Up Display system
• Automatic Infinitely variable focal distance
• Visual turn-by-turn GPS navigation
• Near 180 degree ultra wide angle rearview and blind spot camera
• Bluetooth pairing to smartphone with musicWen
• Internet connectivity via smartphone
• Anti-Fog, Anti-Glare, Scratch resistant visor
• Lightweight, aerodynamic shell
• 3D laser-cut foam for a perfect fit
• Fully adjustable flow-through ventilation
• Quick release chin strap and visor
“SKULLY is literally transporting motorcycle riders into the future by incorporating today’s mobile technology into its helmets,” said Rob Enderle, principal analyst, Enderle Group. “With SKULLY, motorcycle riders have the same hands-free connectivity that car drivers have that will not only make the ride potentially more enjoyable, but safer as well.”
The SKULLY AR-1 made its debut at DEMO Fall 2013 in Santa Clara, Calif., where it picked up a DEMOgod award for its innovation and likelihood of commercial success.
The AR-1 was also featured at SXSW 2014 and won the coveted SXSW Accelerator award in the Wearable Technology category.
SKULLY was also named one of The CNN Ten: Inventions, which recognizes new inventions in technology and related fields with big, game-changing goals. More than 100,000 riders have signed up to be beta testers and are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the AR-1 on store shelves.
The SKULLY AR-1 helmet is scheduled for release in mid 2015. For more information about SKULLY Helmets, visit www.skullysystems.com.
