Automaker Ford has announced a new development unit Smart Mobility — performance jacket designed to enhance the safety of cyclists on urban roads.
A smart jacket equipped with “turn signals” and “stop-signals” for better visibility of the cyclist and demonstrating his intentions to others. Orange LEDs located on the sleeves, to “turn on a turn signal”, enough to raise the appropriate hand. Located on the bottom edge of the jacket red “brake lights” are flashing when decelerating.
Jacket can connect wirelessly to a smartphone – it allows you to use a specific navigation app, and not rely on the device’s screen, which is placed in a transparent pocket on the forearm. Route guidance is provided using vibration motors in the arms and voice guidance.
Headset with bone conduction of sound allows you to make calls and get voice navigation guidance without isolating the rider from the sounds of the street.
The smart jacket developed in cooperation with the manufacturer of clothing for cyclists, Lumo, and experts in the field of mobile applications from the company Tome. A further development provides for the introduction of the function of receiving calls and messages using gestures and voice commands. While “smart” jacket is a prototype and not available for sale.