While handlebar-mounted satnavs for motorcycles have been around for some time, a Russian company plans to go further with integrated navigation in a helmet.
LiveMap uses a microphone, light sensor, earphone and micro display to convey turn-by-turn navigation in colour that the rider can control using voice commands.
Using the Android operating system, it works like the head-up display in the helmets of fighter pilots.
The system projects directions in the centre of the rider's visor rather than in the upper right hand corner as with Google Glass.
The development team says this is safer since the light sensor keeps the directions transparent no matter what the time of day. It also allows the rider to stay focused on what's ahead of the bike.
An integrated gyroscope and digital compass keep the projection oriented correctly even when the rider tilts his head or leans the bike, and the LiveMap helmet will be powered by a pair of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
The helmet is scheduled to go on sale in August next year for around $2000 (R20 000). -Star Motoring