As the demand for personal mobility and delivery services increases, concerns about safety are emerging while providing convenience. After a month-long guidance period, mandatory wearing of electric kickboard helmets began on the 13th under the revised Road Traffic Act.
With this, an era has come where personal mobility users must wear helmets.
We met with Oh Haram, CMO of Analog Plus, at the Pangyo Techno Valley Startup Campus and heard an explanation about CRNK, a brand that applies IOT technology to safety helmets.
Q1. About Us
Haram Oh CMO: Analog Plus is adding digital elements to helmets and other products with the mission of being a company that adds value to analog things. Currently, we are mass producing, manufacturing, and selling communication devices, bicycles, motorcycles, and ski helmets through the operation of an IoT sports brand called ‘CRNK’. It started as an in-house venture at Samsung Electronics, and its first goal after establishment was to manufacture smart helmets.
Q2. What is the current status of helmet development with IoT ?
CMO Oh Haram: We are continuing to develop smart helmets. The first product launched was the crank ‘Skadi Alpha’. This is a helmet equipped with a Bluetooth communication system. You can select and listen to calls, music, or simple navigation with just one button. Additionally, since it is a button type, you can communicate comfortably without taking off your gloves. We created a smart helmet based on the fact that communication through a helmet not only secures visibility but also allows you to listen and speak freely. Currently, the helmet-mounted communication device ‘Ahead M’ is also being sold.
Q3. future goals
CMO Oh Haram: Currently, we are using voice-based Bluetooth communication or AI voice assistant. We are developing a head-up display through a visor called HUD in the next 2 to 3 years. It is expected that helmets that can utilize smartphones will continue to be released in the future. As an industry leader, we are working hard to develop it.
Currently, it manufactures the most bicycle helmets. There are a variety of helmets, including HELMER and VELOCE, ARTICA, and GENETIC and ARC introduced this year. In addition, the ultimate goal is to launch other sports products and create a comprehensive sports IT brand, not just a helmet brand.
Q4. Reasons for settling in Pangyo
CMO Oh Haram: I think the best thing about being located in Pangyo is that it is in an ecosystem where you can meet other startups nearby. There are often times when you get stuck during the product development process, and in these cases, the operation support agency matches you with a lot of very good companies. I received a lot of help through that mediation. Additionally, since there is a large young population around Pangyo, it is helpful in researching the consumer base.
Source: Pangyo Techno Valley Official Newsroom
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