First responders need their hands to do important work, such as save our lives, so it’s only fitting that wearable technology innovation may be coming sooner than later. But such gear is only as effective as the infrastructure network that surrounds it.
Items such as body-worn electronics, advanced sensors and integrated voice and data communications embedded in gear may sound like space age technology, but ReadWrite.com reported that The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate has already announced plans for wearable tech.
EMERGE 2016: Wearable Technology, operating in conjunction with TechNexus and CIT, is a research and development effort designed to give 10 wearable tech up-and-comers the opportunity to show their stuff to first responders looking for ways to help with search efforts while keeping hands free.
Dr. Reginald Brothers, DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology, told ReadWrite.com: “We need to find technologies for first responders that can be integrated directly into their existing gear. The entrepreneurial world is on the leading edge of those inventive solutions.”
The lucky 10 will not only share their technologies, but first responders participating like police, fire departments and EMTs will present their feedback. Additionally, industry partners and investors, and business development educational resources from mentors around the business world will help in mentoring and sharing the companies with a variety of markets.
ReadWrite.com highlighted some of the companies selected to the program, including HAAS Alert, Augmate, Command Wear, Lumenus, Six15 Technologies and Vault RMS.
- HAAS Alert warns drivers, motorcyclists and bicyclists when emergency vehicles are near using a connected V2V mobile platform with acoustic sensors.
- Augmate “helps IT departments track users and their devices, collect sensor data, communicate with workers, and control approved applications and situational connectivity” via locational beacon technology.
- Command Wear is a software platform that will connect with users’ existing smartphones, smartwatches ad tables for tracking, two-way text communication and video sharing purposes. Geo-fencing alerts users of hazard zones and location.
- Lumenus makes smart jackets, vests and backpacks that use LED lighting to improve visibility. An app with GPS aims to promote cyclist safety with directions and modifying routes in case of road hazards.
- Six15 Technologies’ high-res head mounted displays and OEM optoelectronic modules include custom computing and display solutions.
- Finally, Vault RMS has responded to a 2015 study by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health that found “firefighters have up to 2.3 times the rate of cancer compared to the average U.S. worker,” according to ReadWrite.com. This software platform “leverages biometric and situational data from wearable devices and other inputs to build a long-term health profile of workers exposed to health-compromising environments.”
November 15, 2016
Reader Interactions