The team of the faculty of engineering of the University of Carnegie Mellon (USA) has developed and tested a prototype of a tactile helmet for firemen and rescuers. The product is code name Haptic Helmet differs from a conventional helmet integrated signaling system. Instead of sound or light is used here for the signal that the rescuer can accept and feel even in conditions of zero visibility and high heat.
In fact, Haptic Helmet is four signal module, plus wireless communication system, mounted on a standard firefighter helmet. When the operator feels the sound and vibration from the right, he understands what it takes to move in this direction. Similarly, the transfer of the commands for movement in other directions.
The wireless communication module can receive signals from a variety of devices, for example, with the remote control remote controller or RF tablet the commander of the calculation. Here it is possible to transmit a signal from the UAV, a ground robot or drone, with sensors inside the building. Typical situation: a firefighter became separated from the group, the building is littered with debris, zero visibility because of the smoke. In this case, is sent inside the drone with thermal camera for inspection, and the commander, assessing the situation in the room, remotely tells the fire direction.
Another area of application of the helmet – training using virtual reality systems. It is easy to recreate any level of smoke or the presence of interference, a tactile communication system will help to improve skills for quick communication between firefighters.
Source — Carnegie Mellon