Biofire will begin selling “smart” guns in the United States that fire only when in the hands of authorized users. TV channel reports this NBC News.
After decades of failed attempts by other manufacturers to bring a reliable “smart gun” to market, Colorado startup Biofire says it will ship the first batch of 9mm pistols equipped with fingerprint and facial recognition technology by the end of the month. The first batch will be sent to the company’s investors.
The price of the gun will be $1,499. It was designed for a very specific purpose: a weapon that could be quickly accessed to defend the home against an intruder, but could not be used by anyone else, especially children.
The station notes that gun control advocates have long viewed biometric technology as a game-changing tool in reducing gun violence.
Kai Klopfer, the company’s CEO and founder, said their invention has been tested reliably and extensively. This isn’t just a standard firearm with biomechanical sensors attached; When an authorized user pulls the trigger, it sends an electrical signal to fire the bullet rather than relying on a physical trigger; Biofire beacon, the first weapon designed to fire this way.
The gun is designed to allow up to five authorized people to fire immediately after grasping the gun and deactivating the trigger as soon as it leaves their hand. Biometric technology will not work if users’ faces and hands are completely covered.
Previously reportedBiofire has started taking orders for a “smart” gun.