Iron Man Helmet With JARVIS: What the Commands Are

Yes, our Iron Man helmets really do open on a spoken command, and no, you do not get to say whatever you like. Each helmet listens for a wake word, answers with a short confirmation sound, and then accepts a fixed list of phrases. This guide covers what those phrases are on each model, the two other ways to control the same helmet, and what to check when it stops responding.

How the voice control actually works

The sequence is the same on every model: wake the system, wait for the confirmation sound, then give one command from the list.

That middle step is the one people miss. On the MK42 arm, which documents the timing most clearly, you say "Jarvis", hear the confirmation, and then have about ten seconds to give your command. Say the command too late and nothing happens. Say it without waking the system first and nothing happens either. Most "it ignored me" moments are this, not a fault.

The system listens for set phrases, not for meaning. "Open the mask" works on the MK5. "Can you open up" does not, because it is not on the list.

The commands, helmet by helmet

MK5 Iron Man helmet

The MK5 helmet splits its faceplate into panels. Its command list:

• "Jarvis, wake up" / "Start system"
• "Open the mask" / "Close the mask"
• "Start combat mode" / "Close combat mode"
• "Jarvis, shut down system"

It also has two touch sensors. The left ear sensor opens or closes the whole helmet, the right ear sensor moves the panels only. The remote has two buttons doing the same two jobs.

MK17 Heartbreaker

The MK17 Heartbreaker drops an open jaw instead of splitting into panels, and its phrasing is different enough to catch you out if you own both:

• "JARVIS, start system" / "Shut down system"
• "Open the suit" / "Close the suit"
• "Start combat mode" / "Close combat mode"
• "Backup power on" / "Backup power off"

Note that it is "open the suit" here, not "open the mask". The MK17 remote has five buttons rather than two: front faceplate, whole helmet, eye color, eye lighting and side lighting.

MK42 arm

The MK42 arm is not a helmet, but it runs the same kind of system and its instructions are the most detailed of the three:

• "Open the armor" / "Close the armor"
• "Open the laser cannon" / "Turn off the laser cannon"

It accepts commands in English and Chinese. The palm button works separately: one press for the light, hold it for three seconds for the repulsor blast with sound.

MK50

The MK50 helmet lifts one solid faceplate and runs the same three control methods - voice, ear sensors and remote. Its command list follows the same pattern as the helmets above.

Three ways to control the same helmet

Every one of these helmets gives you voice, touch and a remote, and each is better in a different situation.

• Voice is the one people buy them for, and the one that struggles in a loud room. Save it for photos, videos and quiet spaces.
• Touch sensors on the ears are the most reliable while you are wearing the helmet. You can reach them without taking it off.
• The remote is what you want if someone else is filming, or at a convention where a voice command will not be heard over the crowd.

If a demonstration matters to you, plan for the remote and treat voice as the bonus.

When the helmet stops responding

Work through these in order before assuming something is broken.

• Batteries. The helmets run on 4x AA, with 1x AAA in the remote, for roughly eight hours of continuous use. Weak batteries affect the motors before they affect the lights, so a helmet that lights up can still be too low to move.
• The wake step. Wake the system, wait for the confirmation sound, then speak. A command given before the sound is not heard.
• The ten second window. If you pause too long after waking it, you need to wake it again.
• The exact wording. Use the phrase from the list for your model. The MK5 wants "open the mask", the MK17 wants "open the suit".
• Background noise. Music, a crowd or an echoing room will swallow the command. Speak clearly and from close range.
• A full reset. Power it off, move every part back to the closed position by hand, then power it on again. Never force a part while the power is on.

If it still will not respond after all of that, email support@heroslash.com with your order number and a short video of what happens.

What voice control is not

It is worth setting expectations, because the name suggests more than the hardware does.

• It is not an assistant. It does not answer questions, play music or connect to your phone.
• It does not learn. The command list is fixed and you cannot add your own phrases.
• It does not speak back beyond its confirmation and effect sounds.

What it does do is open a motorized faceplate on cue, which is the thing that makes the helmet feel alive in a photo or a video.

Picking between them

All three helmets fit head circumferences of 55-62 cm (21.7-24.4 in) and weigh around 1,130 g, so the choice is about how the face opens and how you plan to use it.

Our MK5 vs MK50 vs MK17 comparison goes through the differences in detail, and the helmet size guide covers fit if you are between sizes.

Wearing one safely

These are collectibles and cosplay pieces. They are not protective gear, they are not DOT certified, and the view through the eyes is narrow, so they must not be worn on a motorcycle, a scooter or anything else that moves - our Iron Man motorcycle helmet guide explains why in full. For long events, take the helmet off every so often.

If the batteries die while the faceplate is closed, the helmet has backup power and can also be opened by hand. It is not a tight fit.

FAQ

Does the Iron Man helmet really respond to JARVIS?

Yes. Each helmet listens for a wake phrase and then accepts a short list of set commands such as opening and closing the faceplate or switching to combat mode.

Can I add my own voice commands?

No. The command list is fixed in the hardware and cannot be changed or extended.

Why does my helmet ignore me?

Usually one of three things: the system was not woken first, more than about ten seconds passed between the wake phrase and the command, or the batteries are too low to drive the motors.

Does it work in a noisy room?

Not reliably. Use the ear sensors or the remote at conventions and anywhere loud.

What batteries does it take?

The helmets take 4x AA, with 1x AAA for the remote, and run for about eight hours of continuous use. The MK42 arm takes 4x AAA.

Can I wear it while riding?

No. It is not protective gear and it is not DOT certified. It is made for display, photos and cosplay.

Shipping and returns

Free tracked shipping, usually 10-22 business days - see our shipping policy for details. If something arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 30 days with photos and a short video and we will send a replacement or refund you; see our refund policy.