New Smart Gun Technology May Help with Security in the U.S.

New Smart Gun Technology May Help with Security in the U.S.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Jan 13, 2016

The debate on guns is one of the most diverse in the country, and President Barack Obama’s recent executive action has only deepened the rift between the two sides. There is one aspect of the argument in which both sides have aligned – gun safety is important.

Following Obama’s executive action announcement, renewed attention is being paid to the notion of “smart guns.”

Some manifestations of smart gun technology have actually been around for decades. In particular, certain authentication systems, those that would only allow a gun to be fired with the right fingerprint, grip or RFID chip, were first introduced in the 1990s. Clearly, there hasn’t been widespread acceptance of the new technology and the adoption of the new smart guns never really picked up. In fact, despite numerous attempts from manufacturers, both large and small, to bring firearms with owner specific safety mechanisms to market, each one has backfired.

Could the tide be turning?

The smart guns of today are far more advanced than the originals. There’s the Identilock, a biometric gun lock that necessitates a fingerprint before dropping to the floor to expose the trigger. The whole process is meant to take under a second, providing near instantaneous access. Similarly, the Armatix smart gun requires the owner activate the weapon via a wristwatch and PIN, rendering it virtually useless if stolen.

Outside of smart guns, there are other types of security like advanced gun vaults that will keep firearms out of dangerous hands. And if you don’t need a full sized safe, you can also get a strongbox made specifically for a single handgun, all to keep both the weapon and human beings safe.

Of course, conflating gun safety with complete gun control remains a problem for proponents of smart technology. But experts seem confident that these devices will have some effect on reducing the number of gun deaths in the United States.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.