Intelligent Machines
Concussion-Sensing Helmet
The newest football helmet from Riddell, a sporting-equipment manufacturer in Rosemont, IL, is equipped with sensors that measure the magnitude, location, and direction of blows to a player’s head. The collected data is wirelessly transmitted to a computer–which could be stationed on the sideline–and analyzed with a Web-based application to indicate the likelihood that a player has suffered a concussion. The University of Missouri and other NCAA football teams have already ordered the helmet.