We don't normally think of MIT professors as riding around in motorcycles, but Ted Selker is just such a specimen. Better still, he's applied some of his experience as a research scientist and bike lover to create a 'smart helmet.'

Selker's lid has an internal microprocessor that allows the rider to tip his or her head to the side to activate turn signal beacons on the back of the helmet, among other functions.

Most impressively, Selker's invention warns of road hazards ahead, thanks to an integrated GPS. Basically, the helmet has a voice-activated microphone that's tied into the navigation system, which allows the rider to affix voice 'notes' to a given GPS coordinate. Therefore, if a rider encounters a pothole or a tricky roundabout, he or she can make a note of it, only to have the helmet warn of it in advance the next time through.

The brain bucket not only keeps the rider safe, it has an MP3 hookup, and naturally it's also equipped with Bluetooth for hands-free telephoning.

+ CNET: Smart helmet points out the potholes

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