High-tech biometric sensor vest keeps workers safe

Security guards in Switzerland have been equipped with a high-tech vest that uses artificial intelligence to improve safety.

All agents at the security company SOS Cash & Value are now making use of the intelligent vest, created by startup Wearin’.

The vest is equipped with environmental and biometric sensors connected to the monitoring centre based at the security company’s headquarters in Vernayaz (Valais). The dashboard integrated into the centre’s warning system provides real-time information on the situation on the ground. It continuously displays the data from the sensors, whose algorithms correlate biometry, movement, acceleration and positioning in the vicinity and in the armoured vehicle, which is also equipped with a specific sensor.

An alarm is automatically triggered when the system detects an abnormal situation such as a security guard falling over (man down detection), or the stress caused by an incident such as an attack on a vehicle. The alert and communication system between the agents and the monitoring centre enables leaders to decide on the actions and measures needed to secure and intervene with the emergency services and police forces at the scene of the incident.

The technology developed by Wearin’s R&D engineers in Morges (Vaud) was successfully tested on a European scale in May 2022, during first-aid drills in the event of a major disaster. It is intended for organisations where staff are called upon to coordinate risky activities and interventions on the ground — such as police forces, firefighters and first responders, or lone workers in the logistics or construction sectors.

“This personal equipment is revolutionising the world of private security,” said Pierre-Yves Glassey, CEO of SOS Cash & Value.

“It’s cutting-edge and provides an ingenious and reliable solution, tailored by Wearin’ to our company’s specific needs, and based on our experience and standards in security. This high-tech bulletproof vest provides a security guard with exceptional safety.”

Image courtesy of Wearin’.