Security and Safety Things GmbH has added 21 new and applications currently in development as part of its App Challenge to create new solutions for the retail, transportation and manufacturing sectors. Developers from 16 different companies have been working on apps that can provide solutions to COVID-19 specific needs or common industry pain points. The apps will run on cameras powered by the operating system developed by Security & Safety Things.

A total of 11 of these new AI-enabled analytic apps have already been loaded onto the company’s open application store, and will be rated by a jury of integrators. Another 10 applications are expected to follow over the coming weeks. The application store already features close to 70 camera applications from which security integrators and end users can choose to suit their particular use case. Using the Security & Safety Things OS, multiple applications are capable of running simultaneously on a single camera so end users can accomplish several different functions with one device. Also, apps can be replaced over the camera’s lifetime, allowing users to flexibly repurpose cameras and source more value from the hardware investment.

For example, retailers can install apps that can track occupancy levels and detect facial coverings, and later install apps that perform heat mapping or customer traffic flow.  Some will assist in preventing shoplifting or address COVID-19 specific challenges, such as the detection of proper face protection, occupancy management and adherence to social distancing.

Applications in the transportation and smart city category will assist municipalities in assessing the effectiveness of COVID-19 restrictions or anonymize sensitive data by masking PIN pads, phones, laptops and humans to provide a greater level of privacy. An app example in the manufacturing and logistics category is parcel detection, which will inform building owners when a package is left unattended. This seeks to solve a pain point brought on by the lack of onsite staff in a variety of verticals, due to COVID-19.

The challenge, which launched in April, offers developers the chance to present their solutions to leading industry players and compete for three monetary prizes as well as the opportunity to present their winning application at one of the upcoming Security & Safety Things events.

Earlier this spring, a jury of experts including Securitas, G4S, Kings Secure Technologies, Bosch, Ateksis, Convergint Technologies, Vision Technologies and Security & Safety Things reviewed the best and most innovative proposals and selected 24 applications to enter the App Challenge. The three winners will be announced in September.

Visit https://www.securityandsafetythings.com/for-developers for more information.