Key Takeaways
- Wi-AI, a new artificial intelligence technology, is being developed to enhance security in local school districts through WiFi spatial intelligence.
- The technology can detect weapons in real-time, including guns and knives, without the use of cameras.
- Wi-AI is being installed in several school districts, including Hempfield Area High School and Chartiers Valley School District.
- The system has a 95% accuracy rate, with a 4% false positive rate, and is designed to provide an additional layer of safety without compromising student privacy.
Introduction to Wi-AI Technology
The development of new artificial intelligence technology, Wi-AI, is poised to revolutionize the way schools approach security. Developed by CurvePoint at Carnegie Mellon University, Wi-AI utilizes WiFi spatial intelligence to detect concealed objects, including weapons, in real-time. According to Skip Smith, the CEO of CurvePoint, Wi-AI provides real-time situational awareness while protecting student privacy, making it an attractive solution for schools looking to enhance their safety measures. The technology is being installed in several school districts, including Hempfield Area High School and Chartiers Valley School District, with the goal of providing a proactive and cost-effective approach to safety.
How Wi-AI Works
So, how does Wi-AI work? According to Smith, the technology measures the refraction, reflection, and distortion of WiFi signal waves that are present in the environment. This allows Wi-AI to detect humans and objects in space, including concealed objects such as guns and knives. The system is being trained to detect a range of objects, including vapes, and is designed to operate without the use of cameras. This means that Wi-AI does not collect or maintain any biometric information, such as facial recognition data, and is therefore a more privacy-friendly solution than traditional security systems.
Implementation and Training
The implementation of Wi-AI is a multi-step process that involves collecting data and training the system to detect weapons. Over the next 30 to 60 days, the technology will work to collect data and train to search for weapons as students and staff enter the high school. If a weapon is detected, the WiFi signal will be disrupted, triggering a response from the system. According to Jamie Schmidt, the director of innovation and strategic partnerships and safety at Hempfield Area School District, the system will signal surveillance video to take a picture of the person detected and notify the school. This will allow administrators and school police to investigate further and take appropriate action.
Additional Layer of Safety
The introduction of Wi-AI is seen as a significant enhancement to existing safety measures, including metal detectors. According to Schmidt, Wi-AI can add an additional layer of safety on top of metal detectors already in place. This is particularly important in situations where a student may be able to hide a weapon in a locker or evade detection through a metal detector or bookbag search. By providing real-time situational awareness, Wi-AI can help to prevent incidents and ensure a safer learning environment for students and staff.
Goals and Future Development
The goal of CurvePoint is to get 15 total schools involved in the program over the next few months, with the aim of making the program stronger and more effective. According to Smith, the current model operates at a 95% accuracy rate, with a 4% false positive rate. While this is a significant achievement, the company recognizes that there is still room for improvement. By continuing to develop and refine the technology, CurvePoint hopes to provide a robust and reliable solution for schools looking to enhance their safety measures.
Conclusion and Future of School Safety
The introduction of Wi-AI is a significant development in the field of school safety. According to Dr. Mark Holtzman, the Superintendent of Hempfield Area School District, adding additional safety deterrents, including concealed weapon detection, is critical to the future of school safety. By providing a proactive and cost-effective approach to safety, Wi-AI has the potential to make a significant impact on the safety and well-being of students and staff. As the technology continues to develop and improve, it is likely that we will see widespread adoption of Wi-AI in schools across the country, providing a safer and more secure learning environment for all.
