Hexoskin and SensorUp partner to improve first responder safety using internet of things

January 13, 2016

Washington, D.C. (January 13, 2016) -- Hexoskin and SensorUp have partnered to showcase an internet of things-based system designed to help keep first responders safer. The project was funded by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate to demonstrate how integrating existing Internet of Things sensor technologies using a standards-based approach can support first responder missions. The technology was demonstrated at DHS S&T headquarters in Washington, DC. Hexoskin smart shirts worn by first responders collect first responders’ biometrics in near real-time (one-second delay). When a first responder in the field approaches a critical state, situation managers are alerted, and can respond to the danger immediately.

It works like this: Sensor data from Hexoskin smart shirts is delivered to SensorUp’s IoT data exchange platform. The platform configures the information and reports it to a common operating picture viewed by managers directing the response. The platform reports the biometrics side-by-side with other important situational details. That way, managers can understand the whole situation from a single information access point. Think S.H.I.E.L.D. managing the Avengers’ response to incoming threats from a single screen on the bridge of the Helicarrier.

Dr. Steve Liang, SensorUp CEO and world-renowned internet of things expert, explained how the system lets situation managers respond to threats faster:

“Having all the information from different IoT devices in a single situation-management common operating picture saves managers precious moments. With SensorUp’s interoperable IoT data exchange platform, informed response decisions can be made clearly and quickly, as the manager gets a clear picture of the critical information -- not only from one IoT system, but from all relevant IoT systems.”

“We're extremely pleased with today's demonstration using Hexoskin and SensorUp at the Department of Homeland Security," remarked Pierre-Alexandre Fournier, CEO and co-founder of Hexoskin. "This partnership with SensorUp demonstrates another powerful way in which Hexoskin can keep our people safer by staying connected. By providing real-time access to a first responder’s biometric data, managers can monitor their teams to prevent otherwise avoidable incidents, enabling first responders to perform in their most effective state in even the most critical situations.”

The system was demonstrated to the Department of Homeland Security as part of an Open Geospatial Consortium (OGC) Incident Management Information Sharing (IMIS) IoT project showcasing the interoperability of open standards for the internet of things. The OGC is a leading standards organization focusing on open standards for web mapping and GIS, and the Internet of Things. The OGC pilot project participants from around the world are in Washington DC this week for the event.

About Hexoskin

Hexoskin is the world leader in smart clothing for health monitoring. Hexoskin smart shirts are used by first responders, NBA players, Cirque du Soleil, and thousands of athletes, trainers, and health professionals all over the world, and provide a new, convenient way to understand human health in real-life environments. In addition to serving its clients in sports science and health research, Hexoskin is a supplier of smart clothing for aerospace and military organisations in many countries, including the United States. For more information, visit www.hexoskin.com and @Hexoskin on Twitter.

About SensorUp

SensorUp provides a data exchange platform for the internet of things based on international, open, geospatial standards. SensorUp are the experts in geospatial internet of things data management. The company has developed the world’s first ready-to-use implementation of the OGC SensorThings API candidate standard. The standard is the newest in a long history of OGC sensor web standards, and is expected to be adopted by OGC in February 2016. Learn more at www.SensorUp.com and from @SensorUp on Twitter.