POC has introduced the Omne Eternal, which is billed as ‘the world’s first self-powered cycling helmet’. The new bike lid integrates Powerfoyle, an innovative light-harvesting material, which can convert any light source, indoor or outdoor, into electrical power.
‘To enhance a rider’s safety on the road, the Omne Eternal features an automatic and self-powered light, which never needs charging with a cable or activation from an on or off switch. Safety and light from clean, endless energy.’
The Omne Eternal will cost €250 and will be available online from June 2021.
POC CEO, Jonas Sjögren, said “Safety and innovation are at the very centre of POC’s approach. We can all see the very positive shift towards cycling for transport, health and recreation, but with that change comes the well-documented safety worries and risks that cyclists feel when sharing the road.
“The Omne Eternal may be a world’s first, featuring ground-breaking solar cell technology, but our focus has been to provide riders with enhanced safety and a seamless user experience.
“Simply placing the helmet on the head will automatically activate the technology, enhancing safety without ever needing to think about it. And it supports all our efforts towards a more sustainable environment.”
The user’s experience is designed to be seamless, but as is often the case, the technology behind such innovations is highly complex. POC and Exeger, the innovator and manufacturer of Powerfoyle, have been working closely since 2019 to build and test a variety of systems that have resulted in the Omne Eternal, which to most users will look much the same as any other helmet.
Exeger CEO, Giovanni Fili, added, “POC is known for its open-minded and innovative approach to safety and is rightly recognized as the leader in the field.
“Exeger has over the past decade developed the new generation of fully customizable, durable and sustainable solar cells, creating what others deemed impossible – an innovation with the potential to deliver clean endless energy and to re-define the energy from light.
“Our long-term partnership with POC is as natural as the light we harvest; and we are incredibly excited to be part of the release of the Omne Eternal, which represents a new era of smart helmets to enhance safety for any rider, anywhere in the world.”
‘The unique characteristic of Powerfoyle, is that it allows for seamless integration without compromising design and aesthetics. Powerfoyle harnesses all types of light energy, converting it to electrical energy in an environmentally friendly way.’
POC CEO, Jonas Sjögren, continued “Our ‘Whole helmet concept’ illustrates that in today’s world a helmet can, and should, do significantly more than manage impacts.
“By integrating digital solutions we can protect a user before, during and after an accident. Integrating Powerfoyle opens a world of new opportunities, creating helmets with an endless power source is the key to unlocking new ideas and innovations which have the potential to revolutionize safety.”
www.pocsports.com/omne-eternal
www.exeger.com
