DHS S&T, new innovators seek to partner smart cities technologies with first responders

Thirteen companies have been selected to take part in a U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T) Smart Cities Internet of Things Innovation (SCITI) Labs program, which aims to enhance first responder situational and building security.

DHS S&T issued a request for innovation earlier this year through the SCITI Labs program for research and development projects that blend building sensors, unmanned aerial systems and on/off body mobile SmartHubs to enhance mission-critical operations and overall public safety.

“We are excited to work with these innovative partners to quickly get tools into new commercial markets that benefit our first responders, DHS components, and industry partners,” DHS S&T Program Manager Jeff Booth said. “Our goal here was to identify technologies already on the market that could be adapted to meet the very specific needs and challenges of those protecting and serving our communities. We are very much encouraged by the work already accomplished and look forward to what’s on the horizon.”

Priority was given to projects that could be rapidly commercialized and could be ready to demonstrate prototypes this summer. After initial demonstrations, companies will work to refine projects, better meet use case requirements and demonstrate end-to-end connection between sensor suites, building infrastructure and first responders.

DHS S&T has selected four companies to take part in the development of unmanned aerial systems used for indoor search and recovery: Airgility, Inc., Reston, Va.; Known Quantity Sensors, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.; the University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Third Insight, Austin, Texas.

Five companies were selected to take part in the development of fixed, in-building sensor suites: University of Dayton Research Institute, Dayton, Ohio; EcoDomus, Inc., Reston, Va.; Honeywell International, Inc., Morris Plains, N.J.; Mutualink, Inc., Wallingford, Conn.; and Wireless System Solutions, LLC, Durham, N.C..

Additionally, four companies will focus on the development of SmartHub mobile communications and sensor suites. Those companies include CommandWear Systems Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia; Coolfire Solutions, St. Louis, Mo.; Excession Technologies, London, United Kingdom; and Zello, Austin, Texas.