Communications of the ACM
Safety Helmet for Firefighters
A firefighter's helmet developed in the Carnegie Mellon University CyLab features haptic actuators, a control box with a radio module, and other devices to provide real-time information to firefighters.
Credit: Carnegie Mellon University
Researchers at the Carnegie Mellon University CyLab have developed a firefighter's helmet equipped with haptic actuators, a control box with a radio module, and other devices to provide real-time information to firefighters.
The prototype, called the Haptic Helmet, communicates directions to a firefighter by sending a buzz to the front, back, or sides of the head, indicating to the firefighter to move forward, stop, or turn left or right.
The signals are sent to the helmet either via an RF remote controller in the surrounding area, or from a virtual reality simulator using a cable.
In November, the research team (and the helmet) won the National Institute of Standards and Technology Public Safety Communication Research Division’s Haptic Interfaces for Public Safety Challenge.
From Carnegie Mellon University
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