Winners announced in NIST first responders challenge

The National Institute of Standards and Technology’s (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division recently announced the winners of its Haptic Interfaces for Public Safety Challenge.

Haptic interfaces produce sensory cues in equipment or devices. For example, vibrations in low-visibility environments.

The challenge began in March and investigated how haptic interfaces help first responder operations in real-world scenarios and virtual reality. It is a collaboration with First Responder Network Authority, the West Metro Fire Protection District, and MSA Safety.

Teams of developers refined prototype designs throughout the challenge using feedback from first responders, technology experts, and innovators. Six finalists made it to the fifth and final phase of the competition.

The teams embedded their haptic interface prototypes into firefighter protective equipment and remotely controlled the devices.

First responders and judges tested the equipment on a firefighter training course over two days at a live test hosted by the West Metro Fire Protection District.

The judges selected winners in two categories: development teams and providers.

Winners include Carnegie Mellon University and Haply, first and second place in the development team category, and Engineering Acoustics and Janus Research Group, first and second place in the providers category.

Third place in the development teams category was awarded to ENGR Dynamics.