HUD Helmet Market Size, Share and Trends 2024 to 2034

HUD Helmet Market Size and Forecast 2024 to 2034

The global HUD helmet market size is projected to reach around USD 3,034.35 million by 2034 from USD 219.77 million in 2024, at a CAGR of 30.02% from 2024 to 2034. Technological advancements in wearable technology and advances in AR and IoT are spurring growth in the HUD helmet market.

HUD Helmet Market Key Takeaways

• Asia Pacific held a significant share of the HUD helmet market in 2023 and is observed to grow rapidly during the forecast period.
• North America is observed to gain a notable share of the market during the forecast period.
• By connectivity, the tethered segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By connectivity, the embedded segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market during the forecast period of 2024-2033.
• By display, the OLED segment made up the largest share of the market in 2023.
• By technology, the conventional HUD segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By technology, the AR HUD segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market in the forecast period 2024-2033.
• By function, the navigation segment made up the largest share of the market in 2023.
• By function, the communication segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the market in the forecast period 2024-2033.
• By outer shell material, the carbon fiber segment dominated the market in 2023.
• By outer shell material, the plastic & glass segment is expected to see notable growth in the market during the forecast period. 
• By power supply, the rechargeable batteries segment made up the largest share in 2023.
• By power supply, the solar-powered systems segment is expected to witness notable growth in the market during the forecast period.
• By end user, the racing professionals segment dominated the market in 2023.

Market Overview

HUD helmets are traditional helmets equipped with head-up display technology to show information. HUD helmets display the information on the glass at which the user is looking without obstructing their view beyond the helmet. HUD helmets were first widely adopted in the military to allow fighter pilots access to crucial information at all times. Today, HUD helmets have more domestic applications and are used by motorcycle racing enthusiasts. The helmets integrate navigation, communication, action cameras, and music apps on a single device or through interconnected devices.

Technological innovations in heads-up display technology and the rise of augmented reality are driving growth in the HUD helmet market. Innovations in HUD have helped reduce the size of devices, making them less bulky and thus easier to mount on a number of helmet types. These advancements have also enabled the addition of new features such as Bluetooth and WLAN connectivity and safety.

Safety concerns around the distractibility of these devices and data privacy concerns around helmets are restricting growth in the HUD helmet market. However, with the rising popularity of smart wearables, opportunities such as the integration of AI agents and IoT technologies will boost growth in the market.

HUD Helmet Market Growth Factors

• Technological advancement in wearables technology is spurring growth in the HUD helmet market.
• The integration of augmented reality into wearables, such as helmets, is also driving growth in the space.
• The integration of IoT and AI agents into the headgear will be an opportunity for growth in the HUD helmet market.

Market Scope

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Technological advancement in wearables technology

The market has seen growing popularity and demand in the past decade. With rising demand for smart wearables, companies are undertaking more research and development in the industry, looking for ways to integrate augmented reality into newer devices. Developments in augmented reality have led to its integration into a variety of functions performed by HUD helmets, including navigation and communication. Large players in the automotive industry are investing in the HUD helmet market.

• Yamaha is looking to create an AR helmet. The Japanese automobile manufacturer has registered several patents showing a system that utilizes a rider-facing camera along with a pass-through view that allows a computer to display information in the rider’s line of sight.

Restraints

High cost of development and safety regulations

While firms in the space are increasingly investing in the development of more advanced HUD helmets with more features, the high cost of production is restricting growth in the HUD helmet market. While futuristic, the integration of new augmented reality-based technologies drives up the product cost, making these helmets less cost-effective.

Safety concerns around HUD helmets are another factor restricting growth. Studies have consistently shown that overall performance suffers when an individual’s attention is divided among multiple tasks. Concerns around HUD-induced information overload and corresponding rising accident risk are discouraging consumers, posing challenges to growth in the market.

• BMW Motorrad presented the concept of the Head-up display helmet for motorcycles at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2016. However, the concept was scrapped in favor of the BMW Motorrad ConnectedRide Smartglasses, which the company debuted in July 2023.

Government regulations in some countries restrict innovations in the HUD helmet market. The United States Department of Transportation requires motorcycle helmets to meet certain requirements (FMVSS 218). Similar restrictions are imposed in the European Union, where helmets must conform to the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE 22.05) and meet ISO requirements. These specifications are aimed at protecting the wearer from injury and include benchmarks for impact attenuation, energy absorption, penetration, and flame resistance, as well as a minimum of 105° peripheral visibility on both sides. Additionally, some countries require HUD helmets to pass Snell testing and/or obtain a CE product certification.

Opportunity

Advent of IoT

Several researchers have proposed Internet of Things (IoT) based technology for accident detection and notification integrated into HUD helmets. IoT applications leverage connectivity, sensing, and data analytics to facilitate smart machine interactions with each other, the environments, infrastructure, and objects. The unique advantages of Internet of Things applications include remote monitoring, management, and device control capabilities to get new insights and useful information from streams of real-time data. This information collection is crucial in implementing IoT with accident management. Using components such as a tri-axial accelerometer, GPS, and microcontroller present on the helmet, these systems can be designed to provide rapid accident detection and contact emergency services when necessary.

Connectivity Insights

The tethered segment dominated the HUD helmet market in 2023. A tethered system is equipped with hardware that connects to the driver’s smartphone, directly linking components in the vehicle with IoT systems using the internet or USB cables. Tethered systems are more stable and have a secure connection, minimizing data and signal loss, and are useful for navigation, diagnostics, and implementation of safety features.

The embedded segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the HUD helmet market during the forecast period of 2024-2033. Embedded systems are devices added to carry out specific functions and interact with other components in the system. Embedded systems are used to control functions such as engine management, braking, and transmission control. These embedded devices work together to optimize the overall performance and safety of the vehicle.

• Researchers at the Panimalar Engineering College, India, proposed the Smart Helmet Controlled Vehicle project, which includes embedding infrared and vibration sensors inside the helmet and motorcycle to detect the presence of a helmet. In case of an accident, details such as the global positioning system (GPS) location will be sent to emergency contacts.

Display Insights

The OLED segment made up the largest share of the HUD helmet market in 2023. Organic light-emitting diode displays are solid-state devices consisting of a carbon-based semiconductor layer that emits light when electricity passes through the adjacent electrodes. For light to be emitted, at least one of the electrodes is transparent. OLED displays are made of plastic, organic layers, which make them thinner, lighter, and more durable compared to LED or LCD displays. OLED displays are brighter than their LED counterparts and do not require backlighting, making them more energy-efficient as well. OLED displays also have a larger field of view, covering up to 170 degrees. These factors contribute to making OLED the dominating segment in the market.

Technology Insights

The conventional HUD segment dominated the HUD helmet market in 2023.  Conventional HUDs display information in symbolic form by projecting an image propagated to a combiner and reflected into the user’s eyes. The viewer sees the image in the far field in front of them, able to refocus quickly when the driver switches their gaze from the road to the display. Conventional HUDs are widely available and have been a tried and tested feature in the automotive market for decades. The accessibility and established nature of the technology drive growth in this segment of the market.

The AR HUD segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the HUD helmet market in the forecast period 2024-2033. Augmented reality-based HUDs superimpose information on objects in the outside world and draw attention to them. AR HUDs highlight information related to driving, such as way-finding, turning, and hazard warnings. These displays provide the driver with useful information without having to change focus to the HUD screen.

• According to a 2022 paper from the Université Bretagne Sud, augmented reality displays are particularly beneficial in ambiguous urban situations. In experiments conducted by the researchers, AR displays drew attention to points of interest for navigational tasks. Putting these POIs inside boxes had a significant effect on participants’ response time and successful completion of the task.

Functional Insights

The navigation segment made up the largest share of the HUD helmet market in 2023. Rapid digitization and growth of IT infrastructure in several regions globally have led to increased adoption of GPS technology across various industries. Advances in automotive navigation are spurring demand for the services in the HUD helmet industry.

• By function, the communication segment is expected to grow at the fastest rate in the HUD helmet market in the forecast period 2024-2033. Global internet connectivity, smartphone penetration, and technological advancements have also led to the integration of communication technologies such as Bluetooth, driving demand in the segment. Currently, 35% of all IoT-connected devices rely on Bluetooth technology for communication.

Outer Shell Material Insights

The carbon fiber segment dominated the HUD helmet market in 2023. Carbon fiber is a strong but lightweight material with high modulus and high strength to weight ratio. It is also fire and corrosion-resistant as well as chemically stable, making it a popular choice for manufacturing HUD helmets.

The plastic & glass segment is expected to see notable growth in the HUD helmet market during the forecast period. Fiberglass, another popular choice for helmets, is made from woven fibers and resin. Fiberglass is less expensive than carbon fiber and also tends to be more flexible. The material properties and cost-effectiveness are leading to fiberglass gaining popularity among manufacturers in the segment.

Power Supply Insights

The rechargeable batteries segment made up the largest share of the HUD helmet market in 2023. Rechargeable batteries are cost-effective and environmentally friendly. Due to their high performance and other benefits, several manufacturers use rechargeable batteries for their helmets.

The solar-powered systems segment is expected to witness notable growth in the HUD helmet market during the forecast period.  Solar-powered systems make helmets lighter and more comfortable to wear for longer durations. The use of solar power also prolongs battery life, making these a more economical choice compared to fully battery powered helmets.

End-user Insights

The racing professionals segment dominated the HUD helmet market in 2023. The growing emphasis on safety and technological advances in HUDs are leading to their growing popularity among bike riders across the globe. Modern HUD helmets come with built-in GPS, Bluetooth connectivity, and integrated cameras, which are useful for racing professionals during their rides. Recent models are also integrating accident alert systems. These factors are contributing to demand in the segment.

Regional Insights

• By region, Asia Pacific held a significant share of the HUD helmet market in 2023 and is observed to grow rapidly during the forecast period. Rapid urbanization in emerging economies and rising disposable incomes are spurring demand for two-wheelers in the region. The growing adoption of advanced technologies, such as smart helmets, is pushing growth in the region.
• According to a 2023 McKinsey & Company article, the global two-wheeler market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.7% through 2029, when it will reach a value of about US$218 billion.
• By region, North America is observed to gain a notable share of the HUD helmet market during the forecast period. Ongoing research and development efforts in the region, the presence of a robust IT infrastructure, and advances in artificial intelligence are leading to growing demand for HUD helmets.

HUD Helmet Markets Top 7 Companies

• Dig Lens lnc.
• NUVIZ Inc.
• Japan Display Inc.
• BMW Motorrad
• SHOEI ASIA CO., LTD
• Intelligent Cranium Helmets LLC
• JARVISH Inc.

Recent Developments

• In May 2024, SpaceX debuted its space suit designed for space tourists. The suit’s helmet features a HUD display and camera, allowing the wearer to keep track of pressure, temperature, and humidity inside the suit without having to glance down. The EVA suit's helmet is made of 3D-printed parts and a visor.
• In February 2024, the College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) received a patent for developing a helmet technology with enhancements for the safety of motorbike riders and deterrents to drunk driving.
• In July 2023, Tilsberk entered a collaboration with a navigation firm, Sygic, to create a unique HUD display for bike enthusiasts. The display can be attached to helmets and provide information to the wearer without having to take focus off the road.

Segments Covered in the Report

By Connectivity

• Tethered
• Embedded

By Display

• OLED
• LCOS
• LCD & LED

By Technology

• Conventional HUD
• AR HUD

By Outer Shell Material

• Carbon Fiber
• Kevlar
• Plastic & Glass Fiber

By Power Supply

• Rechargeable Batteries
• Solar-Powered System
• Vehicle Battery Powered

By End-user

• Racing Professionals
• Personal Use

By Function

• Navigation
• Communication
• Performance Monitoring

By Geography

• North America
• Asia Pacific
• Europe
• Latin America
• Middle East & Africa