The helmet can read the driver's thoughts.
This special helmet uses brainwave technology to detect when the driver is distracted.
In tests, when wearing a "mind-reading" helmet, F1 drivers were able to improve their concentration by up to nearly 50%. This high-tech device, which looks like something out of a science fiction movie, was created through a collaboration between Ford Performance (Ford's motorsport division), a team of scientists from King's College London, and the technology company UNIT9.
This seemingly ordinary helmet can read the thoughts of its wearer.
According to previous studies, distraction is the most common cause of accidents, from professional racing to everyday driving. There are many reasons why drivers become distracted, such as overthinking or being preoccupied with observing an unusual point on the road…
A driver participates in the test.
To detect when a driver is distracted, scientists have equipped helmets with a device called EEG, which reads brainwaves. The EEG results are then analyzed by a computer to determine whether the driver is focusing on driving or is lost in thought.
Currently, the technology is only being tested on racetracks. Support teams will receive alerts and warnings from the helmets, allowing them to promptly remind the riders. Typically, racers already have a concentration level 40% higher than the average person. Using this device would improve their concentration by nearly 50%, thus drastically reducing the risk.
Brainwave signals and necessary alerts will be sent to the support team.
Many people hope the technology will continue to improve to expand its application, for example, a helmet that can automatically warn drivers when it detects distracting thoughts.
