SMART is available for pre-order!

We did it! Thank you to all of our supporters for making our SMART helmet become a reality! 

We are at the final countdown... make sure you get your SMART helmet today:

Check our R&D team video:

LifeBEAM's New Perk!

Limited edition - An awesome pilot helmet carrier case

We got great coverage:

LifeBEAM is proud to present SMART -

The world's first smart cycling helmet with an integrated heart rate sensor, allowing real time, accurate, hassle-free heart-rate monitoring without using a chest strap!

The SMART platform is lightweight and incorporates a microprocessor integrated with LifeBEAM’s advanced algorithm, a state-of-the-art optical physiological sensor, accelerometer, and full wireless communication capabilities.

We Need Your Help!

While we have experience in the Aerospace industry, this is our first consumer facing product, and we need your help to make it a success!

The SMART Solution

We integrated our unique sensor & algorithms, originally developed for fighter pilots & astronauts, into the Lazer’s GENESIS helmet resulting in the SMART – a cycling helmet that provides highly accurate, real time measurements of heart rate under normal as well as extreme physiological conditions without the problems inherent to chest straps. 
The information gathered by the SMART appears in real time on your mobile phone, sport watch or cycling computer via ANT+ or Bluetooth.

Our sensing technology was built for intense activities in extreme environments and demonstrated highly accurate results compared to the most reliable ECG chest belts in market. It is, therefore, suitable for high performance athletes in any cycling environment.

Heart-Rate Monitoring

Cyclists who want to monitor and improve their performance cannot ignore their heart rate. Personal heart-rate provides a window to individual's overall fitness.

Heart rate is commonly monitored using chest straps. Fitness watches, cycling computers & smartphones - all provide a platform that can communicate with a chest strap and display heart rate.

But what if you hate wearing that strap around your chest for hours? Straps can chafe, irritate, lose contact and migrate. We now offer the perfect solution - the SMART.

What do you get with SMART?

The SMART will arrive to you ready-to-use with no assembly required.
The systems includes:

• Lazer Sport GENESIS helmet integrated with LifeBEAM sensing technology
• LifeBEAM’s physiological sensor & processing unit:
  • Integrated 3-axis accelerometer
  • Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+ Wireless Communication capabilities
  • Rechargeable Lithium battery - at least 15 hours of continuous usage
  • Weight: 50 grams (0.132 lbs.)

The sensor & technology integrated into the SMART platform will allow future implementation of additional sensing, sound & display features.

 From Aerospace to Cycling

LifeBEAM is a startup company comprised of engineers and pilots, passionate about the development of physiological monitoring solutions. We specialize in remote monitoring of multi-physiological parameters, such as heart-rate, blood flow, oxygen saturation and more.

Our first development was a unique miniature sensing platform that was implemented into fighter pilot and astronaut helmets, to monitor their physiological conditions, help them perform better, and in extreme cases – even save lives.

Now you can use this technology during cycling!

What could be simpler than putting on your SMART cycling helmet integrated with our small and almost invisible sensor, and continuously monitoring your heart rate?!

Technology - main features & benefits

LifeBEAM's core sensing technology is based on state of the art non-invasive optical methods, using miniature components that allow unobtrusive & continuous physiological monitoring. These unique sensing methods enable a high-accuracy measurement of various physiological parameters.

LifeBEAM's main technological expertise creates applicative solutions that are significantly insensitive to motion artifacts and thus can be used in dynamic environments and under extreme conditions. 

So what’s so cool about SMART?

SMART uses electro-optical technology to continuously measure your heart-rate.

The optical sensor is placed on the helmet’s front, gently touching your forehead. The sensor samples the blood pulse in a high frequency and transmits a raw signal to the processing unit, which is placed in the helmet’s back.

The processing unit filters the signal from motion artifacts and, using the communication module, wirelessly transmits the cleansed pulse to your display device in real-time.

AND…YES, IT WORKS WITH MOST DEVICES AND APPS IN THE MARKET!

The SMART is compatible with Bluetooth 4.0 & ANT+ devices - smartphones, fitness watches, cycling computers - and works with most fitness applications, so use your favorite display device or smartphone app for additional functions, such as: average speed, distance, pace, GPS, calories-burned, etc.

Future Developments

We plan to continue developing the SMART, keeping it up to date with the ever-changing technologies, in order to provide the best and most cutting-edge product for our customers.

Integrating a processing unit and wireless communication capabilities opens the door for various additional sensors & features that will be processed in the helmet and transmitted wirelessly to any place!

A few examples for some optional future implementations:

• Additional Functions: Stand-alone device, Crash detection, Bicycle locator, integration with Cycling training apps for additional parameters and more!
• Advanced display capabilities: head up display capabilities just like in fighter pilots helmets!
• Additional Sensors: GPS, SIM, Logger and more!
• Sound feedback features.

Prototyping process

After successfully monitoring a pilot's vitals, LifeBEAM wanted to expand and reach new horizons. 

On one of their weekend rides, two engineers from our team modified our technology and integrated it into their cycling helmets. 

Excited by the outcome and the idea of combining our technology with their love of cycling, they convinced the team to pursue their dream.

On the following 6 months, the R&D team worked together to amend the algorithms to suit the cycling environment and develop a kit that could be integrated into a professional cycling helmet while prolonging the battery life, maximizing the duration between charges, and without adding unnecessary weight.

After numerous testing iterations & prototype improvements, we were ready to choose the right helmet-manufacturing partner.

Cooperation with LAZER SPORT

Lazer is one of the top cycling helmet manufacturers in the world with over 90 years of experience (the oldest helmet manufacturers still operating).

With its headquarter in Belgium, Lazer designs, manufactures and markets helmets in more than 50 countries.

Lazer’s GENESIS cycling helmet (in Canada also called GS) is one of the most popular helmets in the world.

Helmet spec:

• Fit System: Rollsys® Retention System
• Construction: In-Mold (6 pieces)
• Ventilation: 19 vents
• Weight: 280g (0.617 lbs) (M) CE
• Certification: CE - CPSC - AS
• Sizes: M-L

Many great champions teamed up with Lazer along the years.

Awards & Recognitions

In 2010, LifeBEAM won the national innovation contest "Ramon Breakthrough", sponsored by Google and represented Israel at Singularity program at NASA Ames in Silicon Valley.

In 2012, we were honored to participate in NASA’s R&D activity, where our unique sensors were used and tested during different research activities.
In addition, we have performed a joint research at the European Flights training facility in the Netherlands and with a number of Air Forces around the world.

Rewards/Pricing

We created a great list of exciting perks that will allow you to enjoy our forthcoming product & technology while supporting our efforts.

The Pioneer Deal: Early Bird (200 available) – $149

The SMART Package: Own a SMART – $189

The Gift package: Surprise your friend with a SMART Gift– $195

The Buddies package: Order 2 SMARTS with your friend or ride buddy – $358

The Group package: Order 5 SMARTS for your cycling group – $845

The Silver Distributor package: Order 20 SMARTS – $2,780

The Gold Distributor package: Order 50 SMARTS – $6,450

The Carrier package: SMART carrier case - $45

Use of Funds

We are asking for your help so we can produce the first run of the SMART and deliver them to our initial customers. If you love cycling, sports, or fitness in general, we would love your support so we can bring the SMART helmet to market and further implement our technologies in new products in the future.

Join Our Ride!

Our team developed the groundbreaking technology, but in order to bring it to mass production … we need your help!

We ask you to help us elevate our project from a working prototype to its final production stage.

We welcome you to join our ride! Thanks for your support!!!

FAQ

How does your technology work?

LifeBEAM's sensing platform and algorithms can accurately measure heart-rate in a non-invasive, miniature and unobtrusive manner. The unique mechanical solution helps to provide an improved raw signal. A robust & unique multi-layer method that calculates the heart-rate from pulse signals by implementing two types of reference sensors in our sensing platform: 3D accelerometer and an optic reference that monitor motion but not pulse wave. We use both references for the reduction of motion artifacts since some artifacts are reflected in one reference, and other artifacts are reflected in the other.

On which devices will I be able to present the heart-rate data?

By using the Bluetooth 4.0 or ANT+ Wireless Communication, the SMART can work with most Fitness Watches, Cycling Computers and Smartphones apps in the market.

Any display device that can accept heart-rate from an ANT+ heart rate chest strap will be able to accept heart rate data from the SMART.

• For the list of devices supported by Bluetooth 4.0/BLE protocol visit here
• For the list of devices supported by ANT+ protocol visit here

When will I receive my SMART?

We expect to deliver the first SMART batches to our Indiegogo contributors within 4-6 months from the campaign end date.

Can I choose a color?

Our intention is to provide with more than one color selection, while the number of available designs depends on the amount of support that we get in the campaign. During the campaign, we will update about this subject and the available design choices.  

Why can’t I use your technology on my current helmet?

The sensing platform requires a unique mechanical solution in order to provide you with a continuous & accurate heart-rate reading, which we embedded in Lazer’s GENESIS helmet. In the future, we may be able to provide additional designs.

Why did no one else think about it before?

That’s a great question… but seriously, extracting heart-rate from the forehead is extremely complicated and years of monitoring pilots & astronauts, enabled us to overcome this challenge. In addition, integrating the various components into a cycling helmet without adding significant weight and without interfering with the user’s ride was extremely challenging.

What parameters will I be able to receive from my SMART?

You will receive a continuous measurement of your heart-rate and any other heart-rate feature provided by the chosen display device or app. For example: Average heart-rate, Max heart-rate, etc.

The information will be displayed in real time on all types of display devices, such as Smartphones apps, Fitness Watches and Cycling Computers.

Does the sensor work regardless of weather conditions or sweat?

Yes, definitely. Our sensing platform is resistant to sweat, rain & other environmental conditions.

For how long between chargers will the battery last?

The battery life is at least 15 hours of continuous usage. It will switch to idle mode if not used more than 3 minutes, in order to extend the battery life.

What about shipping charges?

We offer Free Shipping to the U.S., and $15 for International Shipping.
For the Silver & Gold Distributor packages, we offer Free Shipping Worldwide.

Please make sure you add the shipping rate to your payment on the chosen perk/s.  If you forgot to contribute for International shipping, just click the “Contribute Now” button and select “No perk, I just want to contribute”.
From there you can add the shipping costs. The transaction will be registered in our databases and linked to your previous transaction.

Regarding customs duty - please check the policy in your country.

When will the SMART be available for sale to the public?

Only after we deliver the Indiegogo pre-orders, we will enter into an additional production process and then the SMART will be available for everyone else.

Why do we need to monitor our heart-rate during cycling?

During an aerobic workout, large groups of your body's muscles are used over an extended period of time in a consistent, rhythmic manner. In order to function aerobically, your muscles demand oxygen. The harder you exercise your muscles, the more oxygen they require. This oxygen is supplied to your muscles by your lungs through the bloodstream. As a result, your heart pumps faster during a workout in an effort to deliver the additional oxygen that your muscles are demanding. As you strengthen your body through exercise, you also strengthen your heart.

Personal heart-rate provides a window to individual's overall fitness. Measuring your heart-rate is the best and most commonly used method to gauge the effectiveness of your workout! Measuring the rate of your heart during exercise can help you determine when you're pushing your body too hard or need to push it harder to achieve the level of fitness you are seeking.

If I have a power meter, do I need a Heart-Rate monitor?

Power-meters are essential, however they demonstrate the work you're doing; your heart rate is your body's response to that work. For example: accurate heart rate monitoring can provide real time feedback whether you should continue with your workout. If you have recovered from the prior day's work out, your heart-rate will increase as you begin an interval. If your heart-rate is slow to rise and remains elevated longer than normal into your recovery period, you're probably better off saving a hard session for another day.

How do I choose between Bluetooth and ANT+?

After your payment process, we will contact you and make sure we get your preferred communication method: ANT+ or Bluetooth 4.0 (BLE - Bluetooth Low Energy).

• If you use ANT+ device, iPhone 4 or lower version or Smartphone with built-in ANT+ then choose ANT+
• If you use devices or smartphones with Bluetooth 4.0 (e.g. iPhone 4S or 5, Samsung Galaxy SIII, Motorola Droid RAZR) then choose Bluetooth    

Will the SMART Cycling Helmet fit me? What size is the helmet?

The sizes we're providing are medium (52-58cm) and large (59-61cm) and are the same standard sizes that Lazer is providing to all of its customers.

The weight of the helmet itself is 280g (M) with LifeBEAM physiological sensor & processing unit adding only 50g.

After processing your payment, we will contact you and make sure we get your preferred helmet size.

Does it display the Heart-Rate all the time or will I have to do any action to see it?

No additional action is needed except for turning your SMART helmet ON, wearing it and starting to cycle!

Since it is an Optical light sensor, does it have a problem in the sun? On bright days?

No. Our system was successfully tested in different extreme weather and light environments. 

What phones support the ANT+ protocol?

Please check in the following link (choose “mobile phones/devices” category)

Will the SMART work with a skull cap?

Our technology is an advanced variation of optical sensors commonly-used in hospitals for many years. In general, two light beams are transmitted to the skin and the reflection is measured in an electro-optical cell. This allows us to monitor changes in blood flow and extract heart rate. Blocking the light beam with any kind of cloth will prevent this action. The sensor is located on the helmet's front - gently touching the upper part of the forehead. As long as the cap doesn't block the sensor or isn't under the hairline - you're good to go.

Will the SMART Cycling Helmet work with my Android or iPhone?

The SMART communicates over the ANT+ and Bluetooth 4.0 protocols. It sends out its data using the standard Heart-Rate Profiles to any devices that support these protocols and Profiles.

iPhones, Android & Windows phone Smartphones can be used to display your Heart-rate data by using applications that support the Bluetooth 4.0 Heart-Rate Profile or have ANT+ support (via built-in ANT+ or via an available ANT+ dongle adapter).

Can I upgrade my Perk at a later stage?

Yes, see it here:

http://support.indiegogo.com/entries/20517401-how-to-upgrade-your-perk

Who are you? Tell me about your company

LifeBEAM is a startup company comprised of engineers and pilots, passionate about the development of physiological monitoring solutions. We specialize in remote monitoring of multi-physiological parameters, such as heart-rate, blood flow, oxygen saturation and more.

For information about the team, please visit our website:

http://www.life-beam.com/company/board-advisory/