RF/Bluetooth COVID-19 contract-tracing tool gets nod from U.S. Navy
NewsJanuary 21, 2021
U.S. NAVY NAVAL SURFACE WARFARE CENTER CRANE DIVISION, CRANE, Ind. The U.S. Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, has partnered with VOS Systems to promulgate U.S. Navy use of VOS Systems' product AlertTrace, a COVID-19 contact-tracing solution with user-friendly software, encrypted and secured anonymous data for maximum privacy protection, and no tracking or GPS capabilities.
According to information from VOS Systems -- a joint venture of U.S.-based technology companies VOLT Wearable Tech, Ottogee, and Scout IoT -- AlertTrace is a Bluetooth low energy (BLE) device that actively detects other AlertTrace devices within a customized range and registers it as a contact. If a user tests positive for a contagious infection, the system will quickly identify that person's historical anonymized contacts, thereby enabling exposed individuals to safely quarantine, while the unexposed population can safely continue their essential activities.
"All devices using radio frequency have a difficult time collecting accurate information onboard a naval vessel. We determined that device placement and using the VOS Systems autocalibration firmware gave AlertTrace a high degree of accuracy that other contact tracing systems could not match," said VOS Systems CIO, Nir Livay.
Company information highlights that AlertTrace deployments illustrate improvements of more than 80% in adherence to COVID-19 guidelines, and a decrease of 99% in the amount of time needed to conduct contact tracing.
Managing director Richard Allen said of the Navy contract: "We are excited to work with the Navy to help protect service members from COVID-19. AlertTrace will serve them in this crisis and with other infectious diseases in the future."
