Smart helmets to prevent head trauma

Tom Bertrand and Mathieu Falbriard, cofounder of Bearmind, with their smart helmet © 2023 Alain Herzog Players may not be aware of the severity of head impacts suffered during a game. Bearmind, an EPFL spin-off, has developed smart helmets that provide a series of metrics enabling coaches to monitor the neurological effects of head impacts suffered by their players. The firm hopes to quickly conquer the US market. In hockey, body checks are part of the game. Players often use their shoulder, hip or elbow to drive an opponent into the boards so they can steal the puck. While such moves are behind a lot of the action and suspense, they can have serious consequences. The Swiss Ice Hockey Federation recorded 104 concussions among players in the two highest leagues during the 2016-2017 season.