UK based Pointr begins project with US Homeland Security to enhance passenger experience at Airports

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) awarded Arup USA Inc of New York $104,140 to develop wayfinding technology through the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP). Arup has partnered with Pointr Limited (UK) of London, a UK startup that specializes in indoor-location technology.

This topic call seeks to augment U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) capabilities through enhancing navigational resources available to international travelers. This is the first award under this solicitation.

Pointr proposes to develop real-time navigation and orientation information to aid users when processing through CBP facilities at airports. The capabilities would be delivered through the use of cloud services, smartphones and augmented reality options integrated with low-energy Bluetooth beacons installed throughout an airport. The system would also provide DHS real-time data on queues, wait-times and other relevant quality-of-service information, enabling CBP to improve passenger experiences.

The Arup/Pointr Team plans to create a technology that has low setup cost, requires minimal maintenance and is accessible to smartphone users. The services, which would be available both online and offline, would follow privacy best practices and allow users to opt-in.