A team at altLab in Lisbon have used a number of sensors and a little Arduino wizardry to create a very unique kind of hat which is capable of measuring the discomfort level you are currently under, whilst eating tacos.
The helmet measures your discomfort by measuring your perspiration, temperature, and the rate at which you drink down fire quenching liquid provided by the two helmet-mounted bottles filled with a mix of water and yogurt. Watch the video after the jump to see it in action.
How the Helmet Works
The innovative design of the helmet incorporates multiple sensors to provide a comprehensive measure of discomfort. The perspiration sensor detects the moisture level on your skin, which is a common indicator of stress and discomfort. The temperature sensor monitors your body heat, which can rise significantly when consuming spicy foods. Additionally, the helmet tracks the rate at which you consume the cooling liquid from the helmet-mounted bottles. This liquid, a mix of water and yogurt, is specifically chosen for its ability to neutralize the heat from spicy foods.
On the front of the helmet is a web camera which records every second of your discomfort. This allows for a detailed analysis of your reactions and provides an entertaining visual record. Inspiration for the device and gameshow came from a fiery eating contest at last year’s CodeBits conference and a couple of the great Japanese game shows, and it won first place in the 2011 CodeBits 48-hour hacking competition.
Applications and Future Developments
The Nuclear Taco Sensor Helmet is not just a novelty item; it has potential applications in various fields. For instance, it could be used in scientific studies to measure human responses to spicy foods or other stress-inducing stimuli. The data collected could help researchers understand how different people react to heat and stress, potentially leading to new insights in fields like psychology and physiology.
Moreover, the concept could be expanded to create similar devices for other types of food challenges or even for monitoring stress levels in different environments. Imagine a helmet that measures your stress levels while you are giving a public speech or participating in a high-stakes competition. The possibilities are endless.
The team at altLab is already considering future developments. They are exploring the integration of more advanced sensors and the use of machine learning algorithms to provide even more accurate and personalized measurements. They are also looking into making the helmet more comfortable and user-friendly, with the goal of making it accessible to a wider audience.
Source: Verge
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