:quality(85)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/infobae/AFOXUZH3SBTCVRL2AYKGHO36E4.jpg "This is the first biometric smart weapon that is about to hit the US market")
Biofire Set to Launch First Biometric Smart Gun in the United States
Biofire, a Colorado-based startup, is gearing up to introduce the first biometric smart gun in the United States. This groundbreaking 9 millimeter pistol incorporates cutting-edge fingerprint and facial recognition technology, setting a new standard for weapons security by allowing only authorized users to operate it.
The company has announced that the initial batch of these high-tech firearms, priced at $1,499, will soon be distributed to investors and close associates, with plans to open up sales to the general public shortly thereafter. Already, the company has received thousands of pre-orders for the innovative weapon.
Behind the creation of this revolutionary firearm is Kai Kloepfer, the CEO and founder of Biofire. Inspired by the tragic shooting in Aurora, Colorado, in 2012, Kloepfer dedicated his efforts to developing a solution that could help prevent similar incidents from occurring. Having garnered over $37 million in venture capital and private funding, Kloepfer asserts that his product has undergone rigorous testing and boasts superior reliability compared to current smartphone biometric sensors.
The potential of smart guns to enhance public safety has garnered support from both gun control advocates and industry insiders. Nick Suplina, senior vice president of law and policy at Everytown, a gun control advocacy group, believes that smart guns could pave the way for safer firearms in the future. Similarly, Joe Biden’s vision for the industry aims for all firearms sold in the U.S. to be smart guns.
Nevertheless, the introduction of this technology is not without challenges and skepticism. Gun rights advocates have expressed concerns about the potential for remote deactivation of smart weapons, including by governmental authorities. Aidan Johnston, director of federal affairs for Gun Owners of America, raised doubts about the accessibility of these firearms in critical situations. In response, Biofire assures consumers that remote access to its weapon is not possible.
Despite the hurdles, Biofire’s smart gun meets safety standards for consumer electronics and handgun regulations in some states. However, the lack of federal product safety regulations for firearms poses a hurdle to widespread adoption of this innovative technology.
As Biofire prepares to bring its biometric smart gun to market, the company is poised to initiate a transformative shift in the firearms industry, ushering in a new era of enhanced security and safety for gun owners and the public alike.