The sensors and gas cylinders...
The sensors and gas cylinders are all contained in the speed hump.
It's no secret that air bags saves lives. But adapting the technology to work properly on a motorcycle has been a long and challenging process. Alpinestars has been quietly developing an air bag system for riders since 2001 and is finally nearing completion of its first commercial system. From a series of advanced data logging devices built into the hump of a race suit, the system is designed to sense when a crash has occurred. It then uses built-in gas cylinders to inflate small bladders within the suit to protect the collarbones and shoulders-all within 0.05 seconds.
A-stars demonstrated how quickly...
A-stars demonstrated how quickly the bladders inflate with the click of a mouse.
It is then made to deflate and become fully operational for a second deployment in approximately one minute. The system could also possibly be expanded with additional bladders to protect more areas of the body in the near future.
Mika Kallio wears a deployed...
Mika Kallio wears a deployed air bag system.
MotoGP riders Ben Spies, Mika Kallio and Dani Pedrosa are currently using the system, so keep your eyes peeled in case they crash and the system deploys-it could be a Michelin Man moment.