KMW Inc a South Korea-based firm, developed helmets having a wireless communication function and an LED lamp and exhibited them at Lighting Fair 2013, from March 5 to 8, 2013, in Tokyo.

They are expected to be used by construction workers at construction sites and for evacuation activities at the time of disaster.

KMW developed the "i-MetH," which was designed for use in construction sites and for heavy industries, and the "i-MetD," which is for use in disaster sites.

i-MetH
The i-MetH has a two-way wireless module using the 2.4GHz band in its ear pad. Its maximum output for transmission is 20dBm, and it can transmit signals to a distance of several hundred meters, KMW said. Also, it supports 400MHz-band specified low power wireless transmission.

The weight of the i-MetH is 550g. Its Li-polymer rechargeable battery enables about six hours of wireless communication. The maximum output of its LED lamp is 2W.

i-MetD
The weight of the i-MetD is as light as 500g so that it can be used in public facilities including elementary and junior-high schools at the time of disaster. It has an LED lamp and 400MHz-band specified low power wireless communication function. The capacity of its Li-polymer rechargeable battery is 1,600mA.

Both the i-MetH and i-MetD will be sold as products in the "GigaTera" series. KMW considers that the demands for such helmets will grow in Japan, where people have great interest in disaster countermeasures.