Forcite Helmet

Forcite Helmet Systems, an Australian technology company, engineers and manufactures smart motorcycle helmets designed to enhance rider safety and experience. The company was acquired by GoPro in a deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2024.

The concept for Forcite was born from personal experience in 2013 after co-founder Alfred Boyadgis, an industrial designer, was involved in a motorcycle accident. This event inspired him and his university classmate, Julian Chow, to create a helmet that could help riders anticipate hazards. The duo founded the company in 2014, initially developing technology to help police motorcycle officers reduce reaction times through advanced computer vision and live streaming. This early work earned accolades such as the Red Dot, Silver Dyson, and Braun Design awards. Forcite then pivoted to the consumer motorcycle market, engaging a community of over 7,000 riders to refine the design of its helmets, including the MK1 and its successor, the MK1S.

Forcite operates on a direct-to-consumer business model, selling its smart helmets to motorcycle enthusiasts. A significant milestone was the acquisition by GoPro, which plans to leverage its brand and operational capabilities to accelerate Forcite's vision and expand into tech-enabling other helmet categories. Prior to the acquisition, Forcite had raised approximately $7.5 million over several funding rounds, including a Series A led by Uniseed.

The company's flagship product, the Forcite MK1S, features a shell constructed from T-400 carbon fiber composite, balancing strength and a lightweight design. Its core technological components are integrated to avoid the safety risks associated with externally mounted devices. Key features include a chin-mounted 1080p HD camera for recording rides, which serves as an integrated dashcam for safety and content creation. The helmet incorporates a patented peripheral LED display, inspired by Formula 1 technology, that provides non-distracting alerts for navigation, speed cameras, and road hazards. Audio is delivered through premium 40mm Harman Kardon speakers, and dual microphones are tuned to minimize wind noise for clear communication. The entire system connects via Bluetooth to the Forcite Command smartphone app, which uses a Waze-based system for navigation and real-time hazard data.

Keywords: smart helmet, motorcycle technology, rider safety, wearable technology, carbon fiber helmet, integrated camera, heads-up display, motorcycle navigation, Alfred Boyadgis, Julian Chow, GoPro acquisition, motorcycle audio, rider communication, road hazard alert, Forcite MK1S, dashcam helmet, connected motorcycle, motorcycle electronics, rider assistance system, smart mobility