A student at Brigham Young University has developed a smart foam for football helmets that tracks and reports the likelihood of concussions following a hit.
A student at Brigham Young University has developed a smart foam for football helmets that tracks and reports the likelihood of concussions following a hit.
The head-injury is common in the sport and its estimated that between 1.6 and 3.8 million players sustain them annually.
Unfortunately, the signs aren’t always visible and many players report feeling just fine even though they’re not.
It’s also difficult to assess from the sidelines and stands how great or dangerous the impact of a tackle really was.
Enter Xonano, a nanoparticle filled foam that when pressed emits an electric charge.
That charge is picked up by a microprocessor placed in the top of the helmet.
The impact is evaluated and the results are sent to a tablet.
Said inventor Jake Merrell, “A coach will know within seconds exactly how hard their player just got hit.”
Then, they’ll have a clearer idea of whether or not the player should be pulled and immediately screened for a concussion.
His next step is to make and test a prototype helmet.
Once the technology is up and working, Merrell plans to send his idea along to the GE and NFL sponsored Head Health Challenge.
