The world's first “smart weapon” has entered the market, complete with a fingerprint unlock system that prevents unauthorized people from firing it.

The world's first "smart gun" with fingerprint unlock and face recognition system

The state-of—the-art 9mm pistol blocks the functionality of the weapon for everyone except the owner and users specially approved by the owner - this technology can improve the safety of weapons in America, according to representatives of the Biofire arms company.

The $1,499 handgun unlocks in less than a second with a fingerprint or face recognition sensor, and then locks quickly again when no longer in use.

Since the legislation on gun ownership control in the United States is not getting stricter, the innovation can help prevent many tragedies - from school shootings to accidents and suicides, company representatives said.

“We do not claim that the Biofire pistol will prevent all cases of misuse of firearms. But we really believe that this tool can help prevent some suicides with firearms, accidents and injuries,” says the founder of the company Kai Klopfer. ”If our work saves the life of at least one child, it's worth it.”

Klopfer, being a high school student who thought about such a project after another mass shooting in his state, presented the idea as a project at a local science fair in 2013 before founding the company in 2016.

He then worked for many years on developing the technology with firearms experts, including former military personnel.

“This smart weapon was designed specifically for gun owners who need high-quality firearms for self-defense that children or criminals will not be able to use,” said Mike Corbett, an adviser to BioFire and a former member of SEAL Team 6. “I believe that in a few years the head of every family in America who wants to own a firearm for self-defense, he will choose this smart weapon.”

According to a recent survey, more than 40% of American children and teenagers said they could take possession of their parents' guns within two hours (according to a survey by the JAMA Network magazine in 2021).

“A smart gun shoots the same way as a regular one — there is no delay. If it wasn't for the futuristic look, you wouldn't know it wasn't an ordinary mechanical pistol,” said Ian McCollum, a firearms technical expert who tested the weapon.

The firearm is equipped with a fingerprint sensor and a 3D facial recognition system, as well as LED indicators that signal when user recognition occurs.

It is also equipped with a portable dock charger that allows its owner to add and remove authorized users on a high-resolution touchscreen.

The pistol is available for pre-order, and orders are expected to be completed in early 2024.