Innovative ‘Smart Gun’ Hits Market

Biofire Technologies, a Colorado-based company, unveiled their groundbreaking “smart gun,” boasting fingerprint and facial recognition features. This innovative 9mm handgun is designed to be accessible only by the owner and users explicitly approved by the owner, preventing unauthorized individuals from using it.

With the $1,499 Biofire Smart Gun, the technology aims to reduce tragedies involving firearms and children and deter criminals from using stolen guns. Using its fingerprint or facial recognition sensor, the weapon can unlock in less than a second, immediately locking back up when not in use.

Kai Kloepfer, CEO and founder of Biofire drew inspiration from the 2012 Aurora, Colorado shooting, where 12 lives were tragically lost. Initially presented as a science fair project, Kloepfer established Biofire in 2016, working with gun experts and former military members to develop the groundbreaking technology.

According to a New England Journal of Medicine report, firearm-related accidents, homicides, and suicides are the leading cause of death for American children and teens. In addition, a 2021 JAMA Network medical journal article revealed that over 40% of US children believe they could access their parents’ secured firearms within two hours. As gun sales surged in 2020, securing firearms and preventing theft has become increasingly crucial.

The Biofire Smart Gun does not claim to eliminate all firearm misuse. However, it can significantly reduce firearm-related suicides, accidents, and injuries. As Kloepfer states, “If our work saves even one child’s life, it will be worth it.”

With gun control legislation stagnating in the United States, smart gun technology presents a unique solution that respects the fundamental rights protected by the Second Amendment. Mike Corbett, a Biofire advisor and former member of SEAL Team 6, believes the Biofire Smart Gun is designed “specifically for real gun owners who want a quality home-defense firearm that cannot be used by children or criminals.” He envisions that the Smart Gun will be the top choice for Americans seeking a home-defense firearm within a few years.

The Smart Gun is equipped with a state-of-the-art integrated capacitive fingerprint sensor and 3D facial recognition system, and LED indicators to show when searching for an authorized user’s biometrics. Additionally, it comes with a portable dock charger that permits the owner to add and remove authorized users via a high-resolution touchscreen.

The innovative technology could reshape the landscape of gun ownership in America, providing a safer option for those seeking to protect their homes and families without infringing on their constitutional rights.