Nokia Shows Off Smart Jacket For First Responders

Consumer electronics company Nokia presented us with more than one star attraction at Mobile World Congress 2018. Not only did they present on a gorgeous new flagship smartphone Sirocco 8, but they also showcased the Nokia smart jacket! Called the CHASE LifeTech FR – CHASE short for Connected Health And Safety Equipment and FR short for First Responders – it’s a collaboration between Nokia, the Czech software developer Gina, and Kolon, a South Korean fashion brand. #objectmagic

Kolon, the ones responsible for the design, used materials like GORE-TEX for breathability and waterproof properties as well as adding 3M reflective details. Underneath this classic, bright yellow/green design is a host of hi-tech modules designed to increase safety for first responders like the police or firefighters. You can see them in the chest and arm area in the image above. 

The smart jacket relies on Nokia modular sensors that track the wearer’s GPS location, temperature, and heart rate. It even features an accelerometer so it can detect if a responder falls down, for example. That data is then sent back to the software provided by Gina, which tracks the officers’ movements and conditions. It could, for example, locate missing first responders after tragedies like earthquakes. It could also pull out from the field those workers who are showing signs of dangerous exhaustion or ask for help using the module with the SOS button.

Because of the endless possibilities for customization and microUSB-charging modules, the Nokia smart jacket shows a lot of promise for all kinds of scenarios. Unfortunately, if you were thinking to upgrade your winter wardrobe with some smart fashion, there’s no word yet on pricing or a release date.