In what could be construed as a snub to the big motorcycle shows around the world, or as a move to widen the impact of its marketing within the affluent and influential tech community, Italian clothing giant Alpinestars used the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas as the launchpad for its new Tech Air 5 autonomous motorcycling airbag system.
Tech-Air 5 is the latest addition to the Alpinestars Tech-Air family, which includes the Tech-Air Race and Tech-Air Street built-in airbag systems. Instead of being integrated into racing leathers or a touring jacket, Tech-Air 5 is a self-contained wearable airbag vest that can be worn under any textile or leather jacket with an extra 4 cm of space around the circumference of the rider’s chest. The new system claims to offer “unrivaled upper body protection” by protecting the rider’s shoulders, chest, ribs and full back – said to be the most comprehensive coverage of any airbag currently available.
The provision of shoulder protection is said to be unique, and helps to reduce the risk of the rider sustaining shoulder and collarbone injuries.
The vest comes with an active electronic system that features six integrated sensors (three gyroscopes and three accelerometers) and a crash algorithm that uses artificial intelligence to monitor when to deploy the airbag in the event of a crash. Upon the identification of a crash situation, the airbag is deployed with a maximum inflation time of 20 to 40ms based on the volume of the airbag size. The impact absorption while wearing the airbag results in a claimed decrease in impact force of up to 95% compared to a passive protector – or the equivalent protection as provided by 18 back protectors.
The vest fits using a simple zip and magnetic flap to secure, and incorporates an LED display showing the airbag’s operational status and battery charge. The lithium-ion battery has a life of 30 hours riding time and can be recharged with the provided magnetic micro USB charger. A Tech-Air app can be downloaded onto a smartphone to connect via bluetooth to the vest and will also display status, charge levels and detailed analysis of a ride, as well as install firmware updates.
No UK pricing details have been released as yet, but the US retail price has been set at $699.95.
Alpinestars; tel 0039 0423 5286; www.alpinestars.com
