Revolutionary motorcycle visor automatically adjusts to sunlight in a second
The glare problem for motorcyclists
As an automotive enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by innovations that enhance rider safety and comfort. One persistent challenge for motorcyclists is glare from the sun. Traditional dark visors offer protection from bright light, but become problematic in low-light conditions or at night. Many riders carry two visors – a clear one and a tinted one – switching between them depending on the light. This is cumbersome and can be dangerous when transitioning between bright and shaded areas.
Introducing irid: a solution from three siblings
Now, a groundbreaking solution has emerged from Italian company IRID, founded by three siblings: Federico, a physicist; Roberto, an industrial designer; and Laura, a graphic designer. They’ve developed a motorcycle helmet visor featuring a revolutionary liquid crystal technology (LCT) that adjusts its tint in real-time. This promises to eliminate the need for multiple visors and drastically improve rider visibility.
How traditional photochromic visors fall short
Conventional photochromic visors rely on a chemical reaction activated by UV rays. While effective, this process can be slow, taking up to 40 seconds to darken and even longer to clear. In the fast-paced world of motorcycling, waiting that long for a visor to adjust can be a serious safety hazard. The IRID visor addresses this crucial delay with its lightning-fast LCT technology.
The science behind the irid liquid crystal visor
The IRID visor incorporates a thin film of liquid crystals laminated between layers of the visor material. A minuscule space exists between these layers, enabling the crystals to darken or lighten based on external lighting conditions. Crucially, the system is entirely self-powered and doesn't require batteries or cables. A micro solar panel integrated into the top of the visor generates the energy needed to operate.
Self-powered and instantaneous adjustment
- No Batteries Required: The visor is powered by a built-in micro solar panel.
- Automatic Operation: No buttons are needed; the system operates automatically.
- Light Sensor: The sensor detects visible light, not just UV radiation.
- Rapid Adjustment: The visor darkens or lightens in under one second.
Availability and pricing
This innovative technology will initially be integrated into high-performance helmets from Shark, including the Aeron and Aeron GP models. It will subsequently be available for the LS2 Thunder GP Pro and Nolan X-804 RS Ultra Carbon helmets. However, be prepared for a premium price tag – the IRID smart visor is expected to retail between €1,000 and €1,200 (approximately $1,080 to $1,300 USD). While a significant investment, the enhanced safety and convenience may be well worth it for serious motorcycle enthusiasts.