Forcite helmet revolutionises POV video
Forcite Helmets says it has captured the world’s first point of view (POV) motorcycle race footage, filmed with the Forcite MK1 smart helmet’s fully integrated camera.
The company says that in line with ECE 22.05 certification and bypassing racetrack restrictions of body worn cameras, this POV footage is a new first for motorcycle racing. ASBK competitor Giuseppe Scarcella, on board his Forcite Racing Ducati 1299, filmed the race with an integrated camera contained within the chin of the Forcite MK1 at the recent NSW Championship race at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The film of Scarcella coming from the back of the grid to finish third captures the daring and skill needed to handle a Ducati 1299 at race pace. From being tucked in down the straight at close to 300kph, to leaning over millimetres from the tarmac, Forcite says the POV helmet footage gives the viewer an exhilarating experience that on-board cameras cannot.
Forcite’s co-founder and CEO, Alfred Boydagis, believes this footage will be a game changer for fans.
“The Forcite MK1’s ability to capture every twist and turn of the race from the perspective of their favourite rider will give fans an unbelievable perspective on the action. The race legal integrated camera is engineered to give the best view, whatever the position of the rider. Fans can expect this POV footage on their TVs soon – this is the cutting edge of live race action.”
Whilst testing the MK1 during the opening round of ASBK/WSBK at Phillip Island in March, Scarcella said he was happy wearing the helmet on track, especially popping up from ‘the bubble’ at over 300kph to brake for turn one. “The helmet is just stuck to my head and feels amazing. You realise the difference between a great helmet and a cheap helmet.”
Kate Peck, motorsport broadcaster and rider called the MK1 ground-breaking. “Hold onto your leathers, the technology integrated in the MK1 helmet is an absolute game changer, revolutionising how you watch a motorcycle race or any form of motorsport. I could genuinely feel my heart rate increasing as Guiseppe Scarcella took off from the start line, my body wanting to move and lean with the bike as it filtered through the competitors. It’s as if you are on track, on the bike, riding with the racer. Prepare yourself to be part of the battles, part of the high-sides and part of the win.”
Described by Forcite as the first smart motorcycle helmet to be truly available to the public, the ultra-light carbon fibre smart helmet uses AI to learn more about your riding style every time you wear it.
The MK1 features Forcite’s patented RAYDAR helmet system, combining the latest LED technology, audio interactivity, military-grade camera recording and a fingertip handlebar controller to create a “smart, seamless, and sensory rider experience”.
In addition to cutting edge new smart features, Forcite says the MK1 eliminates the need for bulky and expensive click-on devices that riders currently use, replacing them with a single, “ultra-user” friendly smartphone app interface.
Forcite users also enjoy real time alerting of road and traffic conditions, locations of police vehicles and speed cameras, and turn by turn navigation.
The MK1 was launched in 2019 with a limited release of 1000 “Founders Edition” helmets. According to Forcite, the allocation sold-out within the opening weekend.
Initially designed for motorcycle police officers to help with response times and ultimately save lives, Forcite has evolved its smart helmet to include all motorcyclists, resulting in a “complete ecosystem of features that connects riders to roads, communities and cities”.
The server-based software system leverages millions of data points being communicated through mobile applications, GPS and cameras around the world that are currently inaccessible to motorcycle riders. RAYDAR then transmits that information to riders via a unique low-light LED display that delivers coloured visual cues similar to high-tech Formula 1 steering wheels. This enables riders to receive relevant information such as directions, hazards and alerts like police and speed cameras without having to take their eyes off the road.
The MK1 features a Sony HD camera that can shoot up to 1080P at 60FPS, a super-wide field of vision lens, and up to 2.5 hours of continuous high definition recording time. The camera automatically saves the footage every 5-15 minutes in case of an incident.
According to Forcite, ultra-thin speakers allow riders to listen to music and communicate while dual microphones provide crisp, clear audio with reduced wind noise at speed. Riders can also take phone calls and will be able to communicate with other MK1 users via Forcite’s voice-over-internet comms system that is currently under development.
A handlebar or tank-mounted controller places the system at a rider’s fingertips without unnecessary distractions, allowing them to skip tracks, repeat navigations and toggle the camera.
The Forcite MK1 helmet retails for A$1299. The next limited batch will be available for Australians this summer, however an extensive waiting list already exists.
