Shoei, a leader in motorcycle equipment, has introduced the GT-Air 3 Smart, the world’s first motorcycle helmet to offer fully integrated augmented reality (AR). To bring this groundbreaking technology to riders, Shoei has partnered with France-based EyeLights.
AR-integrated helmet is coming
The helmet’s most striking feature is its use of EyeLights’ third-generation HUD (Head-Up Display) technology. An integrated projection system built into the helmet’s visor projects ride data directly into the rider’s field of vision. This system eliminates the need to install additional external hardware.
According to EyeLights, critical data such as speed, GPS navigation, call information, and radar warnings appear approximately 3 meters away from the rider’s field of vision. This arrangement shortens the eye’s focus time, which the company claims reduces reaction time by more than 32 percent.
The biggest problem with HUD displays, sunlight visibility, has been addressed with a nano-OLED display. This display boasts Full HD resolution and is clearly readable even in direct sunlight. The driver can instantly access all this information by simply looking up.
The GT-Air 3 Smart isn’t limited to just the AR system; the helmet also features a built-in universal intercom system. This communication system works in both online and offline mesh modes and is compatible with all intercoms, regardless of brand.
The package also includes EyeLights’ active noise cancellation microphone, integrated speakers, and Siri and Google Assistant support. The model’s battery life is announced as 10 hours.
The helmet maintains Shoei’s usual high safety standards. The model features an AIM arrow-layer composite construction that meets DOT and ECE 22.06 safety certifications. The standard GT-Air 3 model weighs approximately 1.77 kg, while the Smart version is reportedly slightly heavier due to the integrated electronics, but its net weight has not yet been disclosed.
The helmet also features a QSV-2 internal sun visor, a Pinlock-compatible CNS-1C external visor, and Shoei’s Defogger airflow system. Airflow is provided by large, adjustable top and chin vents.
This advanced helmet has a announced price tag of $1,199, almost double the price of the standard GT-Air 3. While there are more affordable alternatives on the market, such as the Sena Phantom at $499, or similarly priced competitors like the Cardo Beyond GTS, none of these offer the fully integrated AR HUD technology found in the Shoei GT-Air 3 Smart.
