Airbag equipped smart helmet for prevention of cervical spine injury

B.E.Mechatronics, Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology, 600119, Chennai, India

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 29 April 2026

Abstract

One of the most severe consequences of two wheeler accidents is the occurrence of head and spinal injuries, which often cause long term disability or even death. The cervical spine, located in the neck area, is particularly at risk, and existing helmets mainly focus on protecting the skull rather than the neck. This project proposes the development of a smart helmet that includes an airbag system, specifically designed to protect the cervical spine. The system utilizes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, such as the BNO055, to continuously monitor acceleration, orientation and rotational movement. When the Arduino microcontroller detects unusual motion that indicates a fall or collision, it initiates the activation process. A solenoid valve, connected to a CO₂ cartridge, is triggered by a threshold based algorithm, causing a U shaped airbag either built into or attached to the helmet to inflate rapidly. This inflation provides essential neck support and occurs within milliseconds, ideally before the impact occurs. The design also considers the potential for reuse and compact integration, addressing the challenges of pre-crash detection and fast airbag deployment. The systems reliability and responsiveness are validated through hardware prototypes and simulations using Tinkercad and MATLAB Simulink. In addition to improving safety, this smart airbag helmet presents a scalable solution for practical application, aiming to reduce the severity of spinal injuries in motor vehicle accidents.