# 122. Preventing Head Trauma With Smart Helmets

- Show: [The Next Byte Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast)
- Published: 2023-05-16
- Length: 21m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets
- Listen: https://the-next-byte-wevolver.simplecast.com/episodes/122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets-UxK8ApbU

## Summary

Hosts Daniel and Forbode discuss Bear Mind, a startup spun out of EPFL by ex-hockey players and engineers, which is developing smart helmets to prevent head trauma in sports. The technology integrates off-the-shelf motion sensors and a proprietary pressure-sensing foam to provide real-time data on head impacts, helping coaches and doctors make safer decisions about player removal. The team is currently trialing the helmets with U20 national hockey teams in Switzerland and conducting clinical studies at Los Angeles University Hospital to validate the device as a medical tool.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=0) Introduction: Bear Mind and the Head Injury Crisis
- [1:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=90) The Severity of CTE and Sports Concussions
- [3:13](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=193) Applying FMEA to Brain Injury Risk
- [6:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=398) Bear Mind's Sensor Technology and Algorithms
- [9:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=598) Real-Time Data for Coach and Doctor Decisions
- [11:58](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=718) Case Study: Tua Tagovailoa and Decision Bias
- [15:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=906) Clinical Trials and Medical Validation
- [17:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=1034) Using Data to Inform Rule and Equipment Changes
- [19:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2023-05-16-122-preventing-head-trauma-with-smart-helmets#t=1173) Funding Status and Episode Recap

## Topics

- [Sensors & measurement in products](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sensors)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Medical & health devices](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/medical-devices)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [Validation & product-market fit](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/validation-and-product-market-fit)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Bear Mind (company)
- EPFL (company)
- Inno Suisse (company)
- Los Angeles University Hospital (company)
- Miami Dolphins (company)
- Tua Tagovailoa (other)
- CTE (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Reinventing Safety: Helmets, AM Tech, and Blunt Trauma](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2023-08-22-reinventing-safety-helmets-am-tech-and-blunt-trauma) (Additive Snack)
- [85: Stalked by Hoopers and Engineers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2015-01-21-85-stalked-by-hoopers-and-engineers) (Embedded.fm)
- [A Game Changer: Crafting the Future of Hockey Gear with AM](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2023-08-15-a-game-changer-crafting-the-future-of-hockey-gear-with-am) (Additive Snack)
- [An Interview with Bob Davidson - Hoodied HP Hijinks](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2013-05-08-an-interview-with-bob-davidson-hoodied-hp-hijinks) (The Amp Hour)
- [From Wearables to Insurance: How Kinetic is Revolutionizing Workplace Safety](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-01-23-from-wearables-to-insurance-how-kinetic-is-revolutionizing-workplace-safety) (Over the Air)

## Citing this page

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