As demand for individual movement devices and proxy courier services is soaring, not only consumer convenience but also safety concerns have risen. With the end of a month of guidance period, according to traffic laws revised on the 13th, it became mandatory for electric scooter riders to wear a helmet. It has ushered in an era where the users of personal mobility vehicles must wear a helmet.
In Pangyo Techno Valley Start-up campus, I sat down with CMO Brina from Analogue Plus to listen to an explanation of “CRNK,” which combined IoT with a safety helmet.
Q1. Company introduction
CMO Brina: With its mission of adding value to everything analogue, Analogue Plus is adding digital elements to helmets among other products. Now, through a brand specialized in sports using IoT “CRNK,” it is producing and selling communications devices, bicycles, motorcycles, ski helmets and sun protection umbrellas. It has started as an internal startup at Samsung electronics and set its first aim to manufacture smart helmets.
Q2. What is the current status of helmet development combined with IoT?
CMO Brina: The development of smart helmets is currently underway. The first product launched was CRNK’s “Ski Alpha.” Bluetooth communications system is applied to these helmets. With the click of a button, users can listen to music, make a phone call or choose navigation. Also, users do not have to take off their gloves to communicate since it is a touch-tone device. We started to produce a smart helmet because it not only helps users secure a clear view but also allows them to listen and speak freely. Now, a helmet attached communications device “Ahead M” is also for sale.
Q3. Future goals
CMO Brina: Today, we are using bluetooth communications using voice or AI voice assistants. We are making efforts to create a head-up display through HUD visor in the coming two to three years. It is projected that helmets where smartphones can be utilized will be released going forward. As a leader in the industry, we are working hard.
Now, the majority of production goes to bicycle helmets. There are various types of helmets from HELMER, VELOCE, ARTICA to GENETIC and ARC which are released this year. Our ultimate goal is to create a multi-sport brand using the IT technology which is simply not a typical helmet brand while releasing other sports products.
Q4. Why did you choose Pangyo?
CMO Brina: Being located in Pangyo, the biggest benefit is to interact with other start-ups. There have been several moments when we hit a wall in the development stage. At the time, an operation support agency has matched us with excellent companies. We have received a lot of help back then. Since there are many young people around the Pangyo area, it helps when conducting a survey on consumer groups.
Pangyo Technovalley is an innovation hub for global companies comparable to the Silicon Valley in the US, Zhongguancun in China, and STATION F in France. It is an Asia tech hub with 1,259 IT, BT, CT, and NT companies that possess innovative products and technologies. Located just south of the metropolitan area, it provides the best environment for Korean companies to do business with great transportation access and infrastructure.
Various high-tech companies are located in Pangyo Technovalley, and it is occupied by 64,000 full-time employees, many in their 20-30s. In terms of industry, the companies are engaged in information technology, contents technology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology.
With the support of innovative companies with global capabilities such as Kakao, Naver, AhnLab, Krafton, NCSoft, Nexon, and Hancom, companies in Pangyo Technovalley recorded 107 trillion won in sales last year. Investment and infrastructure growth in Pangyo is expected to continue, with the Metaverse hub entering Pangyo this year.
Source: Pangyo Techno Valley Official Newsroom
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