Emirati designs smart helmet with built-in capabilities

ABU DHABI // Driving a quad bike in the desert has never been safer, thanks to a new invention by an Emirati aircraft engineer.

Ahmad Majjan, chief executive of MTS Group, created a smart helmet with built-in GPS and telephonic capabilities. It uses a solar system for power.

The helmet, which was on display at the International Exhibition for National Security and ­Resilience in the capital yesterday, allows the driver to switch on the quad bike’s engine.

Its technological device, which is resistant to sand and water, can also send out a signal for help should the vehicle overturn.

Mr Majjan, 54, said he came up with the idea for the helmet after his son broke his arm while riding a quad bike in the desert four years ago. The boy was 15 at the time.

Mr Majjan, who is from Dubai, has patented the technological device system, which he also adapted for use on the handle of a foldable cane.

“It took me four months to build the system and it’s become a hobby,” he said.

“The handle of the cane allows you to speed-dial two people. It has a light, an emergency alarm and built-in headphones.

“If it falls, it will send a text message to the emergency person with the GPS location, and if there is no answer to the text, it will call the phone.”

Mr Majjan demonstrated his invention at the exhibition, his first time doing so even though he has more than 15 inventions to his name.

Mp3 International, a UAE company, displayed Mr Majjan’s latest invention at the exhibition, and it may produce it for commercial sale in the near future.

Several security and defence companies are displaying their latest products at the exhibition, which ends tomorrow.

The Thales group introduced its SpyRanger system, said to be the world’s most advanced reconnaissance and surveillance mini-drone.

The UAE invested in drones two years ago to patrol its ports and strengthen the security of international ships docked in its harbours.

They are also being used by the Ministry of Labour to help record breaches at building sites.