Cocoon

Cocoon is an advanced safety platform designed to protect the most vulnerable road users: children in bike seats. While traditional helmets offer basic protection, Cocoon Airbag Protection introduces a sophisticated AI-powered airbag and sensor system that provides a "safety envelope" during high-impact collisions. 

This project involved a strategic collaboration with Tlera Corporation to integrate specialized expertise in embedded electronics and access to a Silicon Valley network. 

This partnership was designed to bridge the critical gap between initial design and global production. The past project phase aimed to culminate in the development of a full-scale prototype, establishing a new standard for family cycling safety.

Key results include:

• Development and testing of a new electronics platform designed specifically for the Cocoon system.
• Development of firmware and sensor functionality supporting data collection, system monitoring and future safety functions.
• Further development of the physical prototype, including a more modular design intended to simplify assembly and testing.
• Improved integration between the mechanical, electronic and software elements of the product.
• A stronger technical foundation for continued testing, validation and future industrialisation.
• New knowledge and development methods for combining sensors, embedded electronics and software in a safety-critical micromobility application. 

The transatlantic collaboration has been an important part of the project. Cocoon contributed its experience in product development, child safety and the application, while Tlera contributed specialist expertise in embedded electronics, sensors and firmware. Working across Sweden and the United States allowed the partners to combine complementary competencies and accelerate the development process. 

The collaboration has worked well, and Cocoon and Tlera intend to continue their relationship beyond the project. The next phase will focus on further system integration, testing and validation as Cocoon continues towards a product-ready solution.  

The project has also generated new questions around bicycle dynamics and accident detection that may form the basis for future research and development activities.