News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:YC for Hardware by robwormald on Thursday February 05, 2015 @07:47PM (#9007161)
This can't come soon enough. I'm helping out on a hardware 'startup' (though I guess we don't really use that term) - coming from software its an incredibly challenging realm to work in.

Simply getting a functional prototype without easy access to a 3d printer, $$$ in compiler licenses for BT stacks, freakin custom batteries, etc etc.

Our thing: https://www.fitguard.me/

Re:YC for Hardware by FD3SA on Thursday February 05, 2015 @08:08PM (#9007233)
Hi Rob, just saw FitGuard for the first time and it's a phenomenal idea.

I'd recommend getting in touch with motorcycle helmet manufacturers (particularly MotoGP and WSBK sponsors) because concussions are a huge issue in motorcycle racing. As your site states, concussion severity is very abstractly diagnosed without data, and your product can make a big difference. The doctor has a tough time deciding whether the athlete is fit to race if he's had a crash and a concussion, and it ultimately comes down to a qualitative decision made by the rider and doctor. Data can definitely help save lives here.

If I have time for the track this season, I'll definitely sign up as a tester. I've never had a concussion, but I sure as hell would want to know how fast my head decelerates after a crash before getting back on the bike.

Good luck, and cheers on a great idea.

Re:YC for Hardware by robwormald on Thursday February 05, 2015 @10:11PM (#9007580)
Can't take credit for the idea, one of the founders is a Rugby player and had his clock cleaned on the field one too many times.

Data is my thing - there's a number of these types of products out there (Shockbox et al), the issue is that they all keep the algorithm quite close to their chest (fairly, I suppose!)

My role (in addition to helping out with the hardware) is the ecosystem around it. It's BLE capable, so while we can't make a diagnosis (all kinds of legal issues there), the hope is to aggregate impact data, improve the detection algorithm and be able to feed it back to the device as it improves - We're currently using a TI MCU that allows us to OTA update from the app.

Re:YC for Hardware by aknalid on Thursday February 05, 2015 @08:09PM (#9007238)
Neat. What kind of a sensor is it using? Also, why IG instead of Kickstarter?
Re:YC for Hardware by robwormald on Thursday February 05, 2015 @10:06PM (#9007568)
We've experimented with all manner of MEMS sensors, but at its core its (currently) an accelerometer and a gyro + an MCU.

Not sure on IG vs KS, not my department :D