S&T Smart City IoT Innovation Labs developing smarter technologies for first responders, industry

With an eye on enhancing public safety in an increasingly interconnected era, the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’s) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has created Smart City IoT Innovation (SCITI) Labs to collaborate and develop new and existing technologies.

To date, these efforts have seen them collaborate with the Center for Innovative Technology, TechNexus, and Smart City Works, with support from private industry partners. They have previously worked on three areas: drone prototypes, in-building sensors, and a sensor and communications SmartHub.

In all, 12 performers were awarded funding this year. The drones were focused on indoor search and rescue in difficult environments, whereas in-building sensors were focused on developing digital imagery, video, thermal or Wi-Fi finders that could be mounted on fixed indoor building features to improve day-to-day operations and first response capabilities. As for the SmartHub, performers worked on a body-worn responder platform which will integrate personal area network communications with third-party sensors.

“We are looking to integrate and advance existing technologies applied to new challenges faced by first responders and the critical infrastructure commercial industry,” SCITI Labs Manager Jeff Booth said. “If we can address the commercialization hurdles, then adoption by both the responder and real estate communities will be more likely.”

The second phase of the SCITI Labs program will launch next year and will focus on product enhancements and operational tests. It hopes to make Smart City and IoT capabilities available commercially for industrial, public safety and national security use by 2020.