New Technology Can Call Emergency Services After an Accident

Motorcycle safety is a very serious concern for motorcycle and technology manufacturers the world over. Without the added protection provided by most automobiles, riders need every additional safety feature they can squeeze onto their motorcycles. While there is already a great deal of technology focused on preventing crashes and mitigating damage, one company has recently looked toward emergency response features. 

German-based, multinational technology conglomerate Bosch has been developing a new system for motorcycles that can automatically call for emergency services in the event of an accident. The new technology, known as Help Connect, utilizes a special algorithm in the bike’s inertial sensor to detect crashes. 

This algorithm, paired with a smartphone app, will transfer information about the accident scene, as well as the rider, to Bosch Service Center, which then relays the information to first responders allowing them to be notified and reach the scene much faster than usual. Users will be able to enter medical data – such as allergies, blood type, medications and so on – into the app to be transferred to medical services in the event of an accident. A faster response time from emergency services will help to ensure the greatest chance for survival in a serious accident.

A member of the Bosch board of management, Harald Kroeger, said of the system, “Help Connect adds a digital guardian angel to the broad Bosch portfolio of motorcycle safety systems.” By utilizing the inertial sensor unit, which records acceleration and angular velocity data one hundred times per second, Help Connect is able to immediately sense the extreme forces caused by a crash. Additionally, integration with Bosch’s MSC motorcycle stability control means that Help Connect would not require any additional control units for motorcycles that already feature Bosch technology.

The new service will initially be available for customers in Germany with the plan to expand to more European countries as the technology is refined and gains popularity. Should this technology see success in Europe, it would not be too far-fetched to expect this service to also make its way to the United States.