![POC-Aid-Vest-1](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0470/0359/9000/files/POC-Aid-Vest-1.jpg)
![POC-Aid-Vest-3](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0470/0359/9000/files/POC-Aid-Vest-3.jpg)
Release of ground-breaking and FIS approved skier airbag vest.
POC, a leading manufacturer of skiing and cycling helmets, apparel and accessories, has partnered with French company In&motion, specialists in the design and conception of wearable protection systems based on smart detection devices. Together, they launch the new airbag technology, the Spine VPD 2.0 Airbag Vest. The technology, showcased at the SIA and ISPO earlier this year, has been developed specifically for ski cross and Alpine racers, and has been approved for use in both disciples by the FIS.
The airbag system consists of integrated sensors and uses a precise algorithm to distinguish between a crash or fall from the normal forces associated with Alpine r
![POC-Aid-header-1](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0470/0359/9000/files/POC-Aid-header-1.jpg)
acing. In order to detect a loss of balance the system keeps track of a rider’s movement by performing 1000 analysis per second. When a fall is detected, the airbag is inflated in less than 100 milliseconds to provide protection for the neck, chest, spine, abdomen and hips.
Commenting on the new technology, Oscar Huss, Head of Product Development at POC, says:
“At POC we have a clear mission to improve athlete safety and reduce the consequences of accidents and for a number of years we have been exploring the potential of adaptive and smart protection. As a consequence it was natural for us to partner with In&Motion. We have invested a lot of time and effort exploring the possibilities of the new airbag vest and we believe that the result marks a significant evolution in skier safety”.
Pierre-Francois Tissot, In&motion co-founder, further added -
“After spending months analyzing the accidents and trauma on ski racers, wearable intelligent airbag system appeared to be the best technical solution for serious injuries. The equipment is ideal for sports like alpine and ski cross as it is based on intelligent technology able to anticipate falls and able to protect selected zones of the body before impact.”
Approved by the International Ski Federation (FIS), the Spine VPD 2.0 Airbag Vest system is integrated within the light vest wearable under a ski racing suit, which makes it convenient and comfortable to wear. Wind tunnel testing has also proven that the vest has no effect on a skier’s aerodynamics.
POC team member and Canadian ski cross athlete, Dave Duncan, continues
“"Athletes redefine what the body is capable of while POC continues meeting the challenge by following its mission of bringing the safest products to market. This is groundbreaking innovation, and as an athlete on the snow sports scene I’m proud to be a part of a company that takes safety as seriously as POC does."
The airbag provides a wide-spanning protection of the neck, chest, spine, abdomen and hips and offers up to more than 4 times better absorption capacity compared to a standard back protector. Once inflated, the system is reusable simply by replacing the inflator, and alpine and ski cross racers can expect access to this technology by the Autumn 2015.
Notes to editors
About In&Motion
In&Motion is a French startup, specialized in the design and conception of wearable intelligent protection systems. In&Motion mission is to better protect people and equipment through intelligent, best performing and more customized technology. More information:
http://www.inemotion.com/