LifeBEAM
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Wearable technology, Artificial intelligence, Biometric monitoring |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Omri Yoffe, Zvika Orron |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Omri Yoffe, Zvika Orron |
| Products | AI-enabled wearables including Vi, sensor-equipped helmets, LifeBEAM Hat |
LifeBEAM, established in 2011 by ex-air force aviators Omri Yoffe and Zvika Orron, is a New York City-based company specializing in AI-powered wearable technologies. Originally designed for biometric monitoring of pilots, astronauts, and special operations personnel through helmet-integrated sensors, the technology later transitioned into consumer fitness devices, notably the AI-enabled wearable known as Vi.
History
The inception of LifeBEAM centered on improving biometric tracking for pilots subjected to intense physical demands. The company’s initial offerings incorporated optical sensors within helmets to measure heart rate and blood circulation during high G-force conditions, with developmental testing conducted alongside the Israeli Air Force. Subsequently, the technology found applications with the U.S. Air Force and NASA. Prior to launching its own consumer product line, LifeBEAM licensed its innovations to prominent companies such as Samsung and Under Armour.
LifeBEAM operates research and development facilities located in Los Angeles, Israel, and parts of Asia. By March 2016, it had amassed $19 million in investment capital, including a $16 million funding round aimed at expanding its international footprint.
Vi
In June 2016, LifeBEAM unveiled Vi, an AI-powered personal trainer embedded in earphones that combines voice-guided coaching with biometric sensing capabilities. Vi’s earbuds capture data including heart rate, heart rate variability, movement patterns, weather conditions, altitude, and geographical position to provide tailored fitness advice in real time. The device also integrates with music platforms such as Spotify and Apple Music to synchronize audio playback with workout intensity. Officially launched for consumers in 2017, Vi marked LifeBEAM’s strategic advancement into the fitness market.
A crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter in July 2016 successfully raised $1.68 million for Vi, making it the most funded wearable initiative on the platform at that time.
Collaborations in technology
LifeBEAM’s technology is embedded within Samsung’s Simband ecosystem—a competitor to the Apple Watch—where its algorithms analyze sensor data to monitor heart rate, calorie expenditure, and step count. This platform was introduced toward the end of 2014.
Furthermore, LifeBEAM’s biometric tracking supports Under Armour’s Wireless Headphones released at CES in January 2016, as well as the 2XU Smart Hat launched during the same period.
Helmet
In 2013, LifeBEAM turned to IndieGogo crowdfunding to develop a sensor-equipped bicycle helmet featuring an optical heart rate monitor that eliminates the need for traditional ECG chest straps. The helmet transmits biometric data via Bluetooth or ANT+ protocols to smartphones or other mobile devices for live monitoring.
The LifeBEAM Smart Helmet received coverage from outlets such as Gear Patrol, Cycling Tips, Cycling Tech Review, and Gear Junkie. The company broadened this product range through partnerships with Lazer Helmets, debuting their first co-branded helmet in May 2014 followed by the Lazer LifeBEAM 2.0 release in December 2015.
Sports cap
November 2014 saw the launch of the LifeBEAM Hat—a performance cap engineered to gather biorhythm metrics for runners by tracking heart rate, step cadence, and calories burned. This innovative fitness accessory has been highlighted by CNET, Time Magazine, and Tom's Guide for its advanced monitoring features.
Additionally, LifeBEAM’s optical sensing technology is incorporated into a pilot helmet developed by Elbit. This system measures blood flow and oxygen saturation levels across the forehead and is capable of detecting early signs of G-LOC (G-force induced Loss Of Consciousness) or hypoxia. In critical scenarios where pilot incapacitation occurs, it can automatically engage autopilot functions.
Since June 2015, Elbit’s smart helmets outfitted on F-16 pilots have included this optical technology which continuously monitors perfusion index, pulse rate, and SpO2 levels. Sophisticated algorithms analyze physiological data alongside aircraft metrics—such as G-forces experienced, velocity changes, altitude variations—and pilot posture to identify potentially life-threatening events while alerting both aircrew and ground support teams.