Some 7,000 helmet-mounted sensors have been used by the US army to collect data on blast trauma from improvised explosive devices.<br/><br/>The lightweight sensors were used to record concussive forces, including helmet acceleration and blast pressure, containing the ability to store up to 600 events.<br/><br/>Using the data collected by the sensors, the US army is now developing a detailed model of how the helmets and helmet pads distribute and cushion external pressures on the headgear, giving insights into the design of future protective equipment.<br/><br/>"The sensors promise to provide the medical community and our equipment developers with critically important information on what constitutes a blast causing potentially serious injury to our service members," commented Brigadier General Peter Fuller.
Recently researchers at the University of Leeds developed an energy-harvesting device to capture the kinetic energy produced when soldiers march.