Groundbreaking Technology Sought to Prevent Firearms Accidents
A team of researchers at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are working on a novel sensor system that can detect an individual's level of intoxication and potentially disable a firearm's firing mechanism, aiming to prevent accidents, homicides, and suicides.
Faculty-researcher Gill Tsouri is developing a skin-sensing system that can be embedded onto the grip of a firearm to measure blood alcohol content levels. Once detected, the system could trigger a trigger lock mechanism to deter accidental discharge or use by an individual under the influence.
The technology has the potential to revolutionize firearms safety measures, particularly in light of the alarming near 90 percent death rate associated with such incidents involving firearms and alcohol. Tsouri's team received a significant grant from the U.S. Department of Defense's Peer Reviewed Medical Research Program to explore this innovation.
"We're exploring an innovative use of state-of-the-art skin alcohol sensors in a way that has not been done before," Tsouri said. "This is a firearm safety measure, but our purpose is not to prevent people from accessing their firearms; rather, it's to empower them to use their firearms safely and potentially keep their firearms when seeking help."
The research team, which includes Jill Lavigne, a suicide prevention researcher with experience working with the DOD and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, aims to produce a prototype and assess its sensitivity, accuracy, and effectiveness in preventing accidents.
To test the system without putting individuals at risk, researchers will utilize artificial sweat infused with controlled amounts of alcohol to simulate intoxication levels. The team is also incorporating human factors design principles and user-centered research methods into their work to ensure that the technology meets the needs of firearms users, healthcare providers, and organizations distributing firearms for their missions.
Dr. Lavigne welcomed Dr. Tsouri's initiative, stating, "An intoxication-sensing trigger lock integrated into firearms is a solution we can all get behind, as it has the potential to prevent many of the firearms-related deaths involving alcohol."
The development of this technology signals an exciting new direction in exploring innovative solutions for preventing firearms accidents.