Head-Up!

HEAD-UP!

IGNITION

NEWS

BMW brings information to eye level in prototype HUD helmet

Blake Conner

It’s almost shocking that head-up displays (HUD) in motorcycle helmets aren’t common by now. The technology to project vital data up into the pilot or driver’s field of view has existed for decades in both the aviation and automotive industries. Applying the technology to motorcycling could prove to be even more beneficial by keeping a rider’s eyes up and focused on the road. BMW has offered optional HUD systems in its cars since 2003 and is now keen to apply the technology to motorcycling, showing its first concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.

BMW Motorrad’s interpretation of the HUD helmet features “mini-computer” and integrated speakers in addition to the display screen that sits in front of the rider’s right eye. BMW’s biggest interest in the technology is to provide the rider with pertinent information that would otherwise require a glance away from the road. The BMW helmet will be paired to the motorcycle so that information-such as tire pressures, oil level,

fuel level, speed, gear position-and speed limit can be displayed inside the rider’s face shield as conditions require. Future potential uses would include navigation, rearview and forward-facing cameras, traffic updates, and danger warnings: "By means of the future V2V (vehicle-to-vehicle) communication, it might also be possible to display information in real time, for example to give due warning of any suddenly impending hazards.” BMW hopes to bring the helmet to market in the next couple of years.

But BMW isn’t the only company in this space. Multiple startups have been racing to be the first to market with a functional, affordable HUD helmet application. Skully Systems’ AR-1 helmet is currently being demo’d around the US, with deliveries of consumer units expected by summer 201G. Another start-up, Nuviz, is concentrating its efforts on an accessory that attaches to the outside of an existing full-face helmet of the rider’s choice.

In the meantime, it appears Skully will have a good head start, with the firstgeneration AR-1 offering a 180-degree rearview camera, Bluetooth smartphone connectivity to allow voice-activated navigation, music streaming, and speed display. Features will be added, no doubt, as more motorcycles allow electronic devices to be tethered to them.

BMW’s advantage will be in “owning” the motorcycle connection and R&D scope, including existing HUD experience in autos. Watch this space. It’s going to get busy.