An experimental helmet, designed at the University of Sheffield at the Sheffield Centre for Robotics (ScentRO), could potentially allow fire-fighters to detect objects without actually being able to see them.
The helmet will have built in ultrasound sensors that have the ability to detect the distance between the helmet and objects and obstacles near by. These signals are then transmitted to vibration pads that are attached to the inside of the helmet and the user’s head.
This would effectively allow rescue workers and fire-fighters to work much more efficiently in areas with poor visibility conditions. The technology could also be used to help visually impaired people.
Apparently, a helmet worked much better than the research team’s initial concept of a device that delivered feed back to the wearer’s finger tips. The forehead allowed people to respond much quicker to signals and leaves their hands free to accomplish other tasks.
The helmet’s research team is currently looking for a partner to commercialize their concept. If a device like this caught on, it could potentially revolutionize the way rescue workers perform their jobs.
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