Fighter Pilot Augmented Reality Technology Melds with the Consumer Cycling World

[cageymaru]

Elbit Systems Ltd. normally develops technology for military applications such as drones and fighter pilot augmented reality technology. In an attempt to generate more revenue from their military technology licenses, they have spun off their AR tech to their newly created consumer company Everysight. Everysight will sell a pair of AR glasses designed for cyclists that displays information in a HUD projection overlay in plain sight of the wearer and mimics vehicle avoidance technology found in autonomous cars. Important information such as terrain changes, speed, cadence, distance, power, heart rate, on-and off-road maps are all displayed in the projection overlay. There is even the option to display notifications and text messages, take photos and videos, and share these as you travel your route.

I think this is a sound use of augmented reality technology. Professional cycling is a dangerous sport at times due to crashes, and I could envision this technology helping to keep their eyes on the road by warning them of downed riders ahead or dangerous terrain such as a sharp turn in the road. If you've ever watched sporting events such as the Tour de France, a race can go from uneventful to broken bones and shattered dreams in seconds due to something as simple as a rider misjudging a sharp curve.

Machlis said about 1/10 of Elbit’s annual revenue comes from civilian products -- mostly aviation systems -- and the company also has revamped military technology for the autonomous car industry. “We’re trying to adapt to the commercial market, and in 2016 became a strong player in the automotive market,” Machlis said. “Our second area of commercial products is wearables, as seen in Everysight.” The cost will be comparable to smartphones and other devices, the company said, without elaborating.

 

[sadsteve]

I use to be a heavy duty cyclist (5000+ miles a year) and one of the main attractions of cycling to me was getting away from all the tech. I doubt I'd be interested in this product if I was still riding.

 

[cageymaru]

I use to be a heavy duty cyclist (5000+ miles a year) and one of the main attractions of cycling to me was getting away from all the tech. I doubt I'd be interested in this product if I was still riding.

Congrats on that Ryzen win!

 

[sadsteve]

Congrats on that Ryzen win!

Heh, thanks. The system I put together seems to be working great! Dual booting Devuan Linux and Windows 10 with no issues (so far). Haven't tried any overclocking yet since the system really seems quite peppy.

 

[WheresWaldo]

I am still a rather avid cyclist, but would be reluctant to invest in this particular device. The press release says it is not their "core business" so be prepared for an abandoned product if it is not initially commercially successful. No pricing was mentioned either and there are at least two other similar devices currently on the market. I don't think either sell well.

Hmm... something very curious, this very same company announced a similar product called Rapter in March of 2016. Availability was supposed to be 2016, I don't think it ever came to market.

 

[Insula Gilliganis]

 

[Ultima99]

I use to be a heavy duty cyclist (5000+ miles a year) and one of the main attractions of cycling to me was getting away from all the tech. I doubt I'd be interested in this product if I was still riding.

This right here. There's nothing like getting out in the middle of nowhere on a nice long ride and enjoying the peaceful serenity of nature. I take my phone just to track rides and in case of emergency, but everything else gets left behind.

 

[mrp]

I use to be a heavy duty cyclist (5000+ miles a year) and one of the main attractions of cycling to me was getting away from all the tech. I doubt I'd be interested in this product if I was still riding.

At 5000+ you aren't the target, that's actual low miles in perspective to the market they are shooting for (a century (100 mile) rides per week, and 3-4 40-50 mile rides) 10-20k per year. This group is riding by the numbers (power output) and doing a lot of training.
I've actually been following the development of the product and know a few of the current crop of test riders. While I currently run a Garmin Varia HUD, this is a step up from it (features and view).

 

[PaulP]

This could be huge for motorcyclists.

 

[oldmanbal]

Most of the pros don't need the distraction from a device like this, they already have information available to them when needed, with radios and coms for the entire team, directors, and doctors. Focusing on your surroundings is so much more important than trying to follow your watts on a hud when a single pedal contact with another rider can send you home with a broken collar bone.

 

[Accursed]

How is a HUD in any way Augmented Reality? I watched the video and was waiting for something to be be dynamicly superimposed but I didn't really see that, just a HUD the whole time...

 

[Jahx]

This could be huge for motorcyclists.

This.

As an avid motorcyclist , I would love a HUD that kept my eyes on the road at all times. I didn't buy into the skully hype, but this manufacturer has the capability and past history to bring it to market.

 

[Sonicks]

At 5000+ you aren't the target, that's actual low miles in perspective to the market they are shooting for (a century (100 mile) rides per week, and 3-4 40-50 mile rides) 10-20k per year. This group is riding by the numbers (power output) and doing a lot of training.
I've actually been following the development of the product and know a few of the current crop of test riders. While I currently run a Garmin Varia HUD, this is a step up from it (features and view).

I'd have to agree. I do about 5000+ a year and I don't consider myself in the market for this. Century rides every week? I can barely do one a month but I do typically shoot for over 50 each weekend.

Now if someone could make a gyroscope-type beer holder for my bike that would be another story.

 

[umeng2002]

Every time I see a cyclist on the road going 25 mph in 40 mph zone on a two way street, I just want to run them all over. I'll then reach around my windshield and remove the AR glasses from the hood of my car and sell it on eBay.

 

[Mauler]

The article has the wrong vid linked (on my machine at least). While removing all the new Metro crap from Win10 is interesting and useful I don't think that the guys on bikes need it while they're out

 

[PaulP]

Every time I see a cyclist on the road going 25 mph in 40 mph zone on a two way street, I just want to run them all over. I'll then reach around my windshield and remove the AR glasses from the hood of my car and sell it on eBay.

And you'll need that money for the lawyers.