The smart helmet family is just about to get bigger, as the summer will bring another player in this growing market. And if you think this is going to be yet another expensive lid only few would afford, guess what: you’re in for quite a decent treat, as the Nand Logic is said to arrive for less than $500, which in Europe now makes €440 and puts this lid in the “I can get this” zone.
On the shape side, the Nand Logic is indeed different from what we’ve been used to see during the last two decades or so, but to us this is only one more sign that even the helmet world is changing. Truth be told, the shape is a bit too futuristic and will most likely not be the first thing a heavyweight cruiser would go for. Still, as the project might still receive some aesthetic updates and possibly a new version after the debut one starts selling, we can expect even better things.
LEDs, camera, action!
The Nand Logic is equipped with a generous array of LED modules including turn signals, brake lights and even dual headlights for better visibility in dim light conditions. The software control is aided by an accelerometer and an ambient light sensor, and offers auto dimming, hazard and emergency braking lights functionality.
Two cameras face to the front and the rear, but there is so much more to these than you’d expect. The powerful SoC (System on a Chip) is able to analyze the video stream in real time and has object recognition capabilities. Even more, the system can track objects and detect collision trajectories, sending out an audio alarm to the mini speakers inside the helmet. Blind spot warning works just the same. HD video and still image photos from the cameras are stored on an SD card and can also be played back as picture in picture or as a dual stream
A flip-up design with great aerodynamics and fan-powered cooling
Since we are deep in high-tech territory we must also add that the Nand Logic’s peculiar shape is a highly aerodynamic one which is claimed to dramatically reduce buffeting, drag and wind noise, and increase the wearing comfort. The face piece is complemented by a sun shield and is also removable.
Ventilation should be top-notch, as Nand Logic has an active cooling system which involves an embedded fan to provide optimal air flow even when stopped. That’s really trick, and if this system does not weigh a ton, it looks like it alone would pay off for those riding in warm regions.
Other premium features include wireless communication and streaming via Bluetooth. The helmet SoC allows the rider to take and make phone calls via voice control, communicate with compatible devices in range, stream music from a Bluetooth-enabled phone or music player or benefit from turn-by-turn GPS navigation.
But there’s even more awesomeness implemented in the Nand Logic smart helmet, made possible by the System on a Chip. This smart lid is equipped with intelligent DSP (Digital Signal Processing) which is said to raise the bar in communication quality. The helmet has internal and external microphones for noise cancellation, but is smart enough to detect siren sound and alert the rider. The same goes for car horns. Even more, the audio input is synced with video and the helmet also has automatic volume control.
And throwing in temperature and humidity sensors only makes things even crazier! If anything, the $500 price tag almost sounds too good to be true, especially as Nand Logic plans to endow their smart helmet with the best protection possible and make is DOT (and possible EC and Snell) compliant. In fact, a Kickstarter campaign is about to commence and we’ll bring you news as soon as we have it.
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