Smart Ski Vest

A new addition to the ever-growing line of wearable technologies is designed to keep skiers safer on the slopes. The Smart Ski Airbag Vest employs an array of sensors – including GPS, a gyroscope and an accelerometer – to detect changes in motion that are likely the result of a loss of balance and quickly inflate to protect the most vulnerable parts of the body.

A built-in processor samples the skier’s position at a rate of 1000 samples per second. When a sudden change in speed or orientation is detected, the vest automatically inflates in less than 100 milliseconds offering protection to the spine, chest, abdomen, neck and hips. The system also analyzes the data to upgrade its detection capabilities, and sends information to a smartphone app so that the user can better understand the reason for the fall.

The Smart Ski Airbag Vest has been shown to offer four times better energy absorption than standard dorsal protection, and unlike automobile airbags, the vest is reusable after it has been inflated. Although it’s currently available only to professional skiers, it’s expected to hit stores in July 2016 at a price of about $1,200.