BY: ETU, MAS TKD

Daedo launches an innovative electronic headgear.

MAS Taekwondo, an internet Taekwondo newspaper, reports about a new device by Daedo, one of the producers of electronic protectors for competition. The electronic head gear works with a transmitter, just like with the electronic hogu. Furthermore, the software allows for an independent threshold configuration, that is, the minimum threshold to score on the electronic hogu can be different to the one needed to score on the head gear.

When the competitor kicks on the opponent´s head and the sensors on the electronic foot protectors contact the head gear (which has sensors all over the area) with enough power, the system automatically awards 3 points. Kicks on the face must be scored by the judges with the joysticks, which in this system they are wireless and therefore very comfortable to use.

These new head gears were tested at an international tournament held in Aruba, called 'The best of the best Powerade Cup 2009'. They were used during the competition and were widely accepted by the competitors. It is important to clarify that these new head gears are not WTF Recognized yet, thus it is not compulsory to use them in official competitions.

The complete story can be read here.

Regarding electronic headgears, LaJust, the only producer of electronic hogoos which is currently recognized by WTF, has also electronic headgears but they were not accepted by WTF. One of the most interesting areas of technical research at LaJust is dealing with utilizing a device similar to the Wii sensor by Nintendo to recognize shocks from kicks to the head. As research is going on it is not sure when or if this device will find its way into mass production but it is an example for the many ways developers are traveling to find the best solution for the future.