Will Smart Guns revolutionise the arms industry?

Smart guns — personalised weapons that fire only for recognised users.

With over a decade of research and millions of dollars later, one of the most prominent firearm stores in California has a new addition to its’ shelves - the smart gun. The gun resembles that of any other however, this one comes with an accessory, in the form of a waterproof smartwatch.

The main function of this watch, other than providing the time, is to provide the gun with 'a brain'. Electronic chips in both the watch and the gun enable the two devices to communicate and establish their proximity to one another. If the two devices are within suitable range of each other, then a green light will appear on the grip of the gun, indicating its readiness for use. If the devices are too far apart for this green light to appear, then the gun will cease to function.

The Armatix iP1 has been created as a monument to firearms safety, with the hope that it could reduce gun violence, suicides and accidental shootings. As expected it has received a warm welcoming from gun-control advocates, who believe that this creation could revolutionise the gun industry. Gun rights advocates on the other hand, have appeared to be far more skeptical about the smart gun, voicing concerns over what happens if the technology fails just as an intruder breaks in.

The arrival of the smart-gun comes as a result of immense interest in innovative gun-control ideas; following the killings at Sandy Hook Elementary School last year and the severe legislative battles that followed. Other ideas following this event include the use of  placing GPS tracking chips in guns and technology that would render guns inoperable when they near electronic markers – for example, close to a school.

Many have been intrigued by the smart-guns potential. New Jersey passed a controversial law in 2002 stating that within three years of a smart gun being sold anywhere in the country, that only smart guns may be sold in the state then after.

Whether you in favour of the smart-gun or not, it cannot be denied that this is a great piece of technology, but the cost is high. Amatrix’s iP1, a .22-caliber pistol, is priced at $1,399 and then an additional $399 for the watch! The only question that remains is.. will it sell?

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Global Military Ammunition Market
Global Body Armour and Personal Protection Market
The Global Government Biometric Systems Market

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Source: Washington Post

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