MIPS Debuts New Brain Safety Products

MIPS, the premier brain safety technology company, is offering their patented impact protection system in two new platforms that drastically increase the compatible helmet types and models. Both new platforms are built upon the same decades of research and study that went into the flagship MIPS system, expanding the MIPS low-friction layer into other helmet formats and expanding the integration of the existing technology.

The first product, the A1 (informally, the Pocket), is a series of plates embedded in the helmet’s interior and anchored between fabric layers. The plates move omnidirectionally, thanks to the low-friction plastic construction of the plates and the specialty elastic fabric layers. The A1 employs the same concept of the full-sized low-friction helmet liner, but integrates fully with the helmet padding, using the specially-designed plates to achieve the crucial 10-15mm of movement to redirect damaging rotational motion from oblique head impacts.

The second platform, the E2 (informally, the Beanie) solution, is a soft, cap-like insert that acts as a full-headed low-friction layer for full-face cycling, motocross, and street sport helmets. The Liner is made up of two multi-directional, stretch fabric layers sewn together around a thin, plastic foil. When inserted between the comfort padding of the helmet and the outer EPS shell, the Liner provides broad coverage from rotational motion without sacrificing comfort or sweat absorption.

The A1 and E2 products both build on MIPS’ 20 years of research by Sweden’s leading neuroscientists and engineers. This research strictly addresses a solution to the damaging effects of rotational motion experienced in a crash. All MIPS products ensure a 10-15mm relative motion between the head and helmet during the crucial 2-3 milliseconds after an impact. While all crashes are different, MIPS products can result in at least a 10% reduction in strain on the brain.

“MIPS is committed to protection from brain injury and, in order to make as much of a difference, we have to work with as many helmet brands as possible,” says Johan Thiel, CEO of MIPS. “Products like the A1 and the E2 expand how our technology can integrate with all kinds of helmets, giving MIPS the potential to help keep even more people at a lower risk for debilitating brain injuries.”

Both products, like all MIPS solutions, are integrated into the helmet design and represent a close collaboration with the helmet manufacturers. More and more brands are equipping MIPS into their products with all the manufacturers offering at least one MIPS model helmet in 2017. Models featuring the A1 and E2 will debut in the spring 2018 with several new and current helmet brand partners.