This innovative jacket is called JARS, which stands for Jacket Automation for Driver's Safety. It's a unique safety jacket, which reduces the chances of a driver getting into an accident. In fact, it even prevents it! The jacket has safety features like an auto indicator system, over-speed warning, alcohol sensor, among others. It is connected to the rider's phone through Bluetooth. The auto indication system is especially unique as it automatically turns on the indicators 60...m before a turn. It uses Google Maps APIs in the mobile app, which flashes the indicators stitched to the back of the jacket.
The jacket makes use of conductive threads and sewable components and is powered by an Arduino microprocessor. There are no wires at all! The jacket is a perfect example of what a future safety wearable will look like.
In India, an estimated 47% of bike accidents happen due to lack of turn indicators. Thousands of lives are lost every year due to bike accidents. This jacket is a cost-effective (costs less than ₹2,000) and innovative product which will help make Indian roads safer. Also, this is entirely made using components obtained from Indian sellers. It can be easily produced on a large scale to make Indian roads safer for all.
This jacket was developed by Aman Ladia who in the top 3 at Techniche, 2016. Aman hails from Mumbai and is a student of Dhirubhai Ambani International School.
#Techniche is the annual Techno-Management festival of the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India and is inviting entries for this year's #TechExpo, an event focussing on social innovations.
Techniche, IIT Guwahati