Wearables to keep responders safe, boost resilience
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The Department of Homeland Security is funding five startups that identify and resolve health and wellness issues before they reach a crisis level.
To keep its law enforcement and responders in the best possible physical shape, the Department of Homeland Security awarded $700,000 to five startups that have developed innovative health monitoring technologies.
The companies’ wearable technologies collect and analyze biometric or environmental data to protect the health, safety and mental well being of those who work in dangerous or stressful environments, such as police officers, firefighters and other emergency responders.
The awardees include:
- SlateSafety of Georgia ($200,000) developed a biometric armband that uses sensor technology to track heart rate, temperature, exertion and detect falls. Data is transmitted through artificial intelligence platforms and algorithms and delivers advanced analytics on critical factors like sleep quality, recovery and fatigue levels. Data can be tracked via an online platform or mobile app, and users may receive alerts when unsafe conditions are detected.
- Kenzen of Missouri ($161,600) built a wearable device that monitors critical health indicators such as body temperature, heart rate and sweat output in real-time. Data is presented on a web-based platform, and predictive machine-learning models enable managers to prevent heat-related injury and illness based on their employees’ health data.
- Sana Health of Colorado ($55,000) developed a mask and headphones that produce pulses of light and sound, relaxing users with audiovisual stimulations in 16-minute sessions. The technology aims to enhance relaxation and recovery in individuals, while also improving sleep, pain perception and energy levels with continued use.
- Sentinel Occupational Safety of Ohio ($119,678) developed a platform called SafeGuard that is compatible with various wearable sensors—such as smart watches, heart rate monitors or devices that detect dangerous gasses—to analyze physiological, environmental, location and behavioral data. The platform uses edge AI and cloud-based deep learning for descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics.
- Volt Athletics of Washington ($199,730) developed an app that uses AI to design personalized training for individuals such as police officers, firefighters, members of the military and athletes. The app tracks users’ progress and predicts suitable workouts for future sessions to keep personnel in ideal physical and mental shape.
The funding was issued through S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program, which works with and funds startups to develop emerging technologies that support homeland security efforts.