Smart Motorcycle Helmet

Watch the Youtube video demonstration: Demo Video

Overview

The Smart Motorcycle Helmet is designed to enhance rider safety and emergency response through real-time alerts and monitoring. Built as part of a senior design project at the University of Pittsburgh, the system integrates crash detection, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warnings, and automatic emergency contact notifications through a connected mobile app.

Key Features

• Crash Detection: Detects impact using force-sensitive resistors and/or IMU data.
• Emergency Alerts: Automatically texts emergency contacts with the rider's location after a crash, significant location change, or safety confirmation.
• Manual Trigger: Allows users to manually trigger and cancel crash alerts via the helmet or the app.
• Live Location Sharing: Emergency contacts can reply “UPDATE” to receive the rider’s current GPS location.
• Blind Spot Detection: Alerts the rider with LED indicators when a vehicle enters the blind spot.
• Forward Collision Warning: Warns the rider of vehicles or obstacles directly ahead using ultrasonic sensors.
• Bluetooth Communication: Connects the helmet and app using Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE).
• Flutter App: Mobile interface for configuring contacts, monitoring crash status, and sending alerts.

System Architecture

The system consists of three main components:

• Helmet Hardware: Built using an Arduino-compatible microcontroller, ultrasonic sensors, LEDs, force-sensitive resistors, and a Bluetooth module.
• Flutter Mobile App: Communicates with the helmet and manages emergency contact alerts via the Twilio API.
• Backend Logic: Written in Dart with Firebase integration for user settings, messaging, and location tracking.