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Samsung tackles sport safety with development of concussion monitoring Brainband

Samsung headband sends concussion warnings to nearby devices

Samsung Brainband sends concussion warnings to linked devices

Fresh from launching a virtual reality device last year and a new suite of phones just a few weeks ago, Samsung today launched Brainband, a headband that registers a dangerous hit for a sports competitor in real time.

Samsung chief marketing officer, Phillip Newton, said that the Australian initiative was part of Samsung’s global launching people project.

The device registers when a player takes a heavy hit to the head and records the level of G-force impact, before relaying a warning to other devices, including the G2 watch, being worn by the referee, who can then make a decision as to whether the player needs to leave the game.

The device is being pioneered by Australian researchers, neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce and industrial engineer Braden Wilson, who have joined with Samsung to participate in the development.

“A series of LED lights embedded in the headband indicate the severity of a hit: yellow, orange and red for high alert, meaning a player should be taken off the field,” Newton said.

“Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, and you look to try to solve community issues – particularly unmet needs.

“There is a real noise in the community, with people asking, ‘When is concussion a problem?’, and were intrigued as to how we could potentially solve this problem.”

The Brainbands began being trialed in Sydney two weeks ago with Sydney club rugby players, although the device is continuing to be developed.

“I’m very proud to say that the work being done is phenomenal and Samsung are very proud to be as part of it,” Newton said.

While Samsung is heavily involved in the project, Newton said the company will not be using it as a marketing tool other than to promote awareness of concussion in sport as an issue.

The company has enlisted footballer Israel Folau to take part in an eight-part online series created by Leo Burnett following completion of development of the headband.

Credits:

Agency: Leo Burnett Sydney
Production Company: The Pool Collective
Public Relations: Edelman, Sydney

Simon Canning

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