Magswitch pilots SOBR Safe biometric identification and alcohol detection system

Aug 21, 2020 | Luana Pascu

Magswitch pilots SOBR Safe biometric identification and alcohol detection system

SOBR Safe has announced a 90-day test pilot of its touch-based biometric identity verification and alcohol detection system with U.S.-based Magswitch Technology.

International manufacturer Magswitch Technology has offices in seven countries around the world, and is an example of the type of customer SOBR Safe targets for the Workplace Access Control function of its SOBRCheck system.

“As a responsible employer, the safety of our staff is of primary importance,” said Magswitch Technology CEO David Morton in a prepared statement. “We believe that with SOBRCheck we’ll be able to ensure an alcohol-free work environment, further reducing the opportunity for accidents while also driving peak productivity. We are excited to host SOBRCheck’s first pilot program and we look forward to a permanent installation in the future.”

By touching the sensors with two fingers, Magswitch employees will participate in a fast and sanitary identity verification and transdermal alcohol screening process before entering production zones. Human Resources or Occupational Safety officers receive the data in real-time through a cloud-based interface. During the pilot, the devices will be analyzed to check how comfortable and accurate they are.

Magswitch will also take part in the second pilot planned for September. The commercial product design is to be finalized by the end of the year.

“This pilot program with Magswitch is the beginning of a dream realized for SOBR Safe and our investors – after years in development, our SOBRCheck solution is undergoing final field testing prior to commercial production,” said SOBR Safe CEO Kevin Moore in a prepared statement. “We are grateful for Magswitch’s interest and participation, and we anticipate a fruitful partnership with the company moving forward.”

American employers and insurance companies spend some $63 billion per year on alcohol-related injuries, deaths and productivity loss, as nearly 50 percent of industrial accidents are caused by alcohol.

According to the company’s website, SOBR Safe is also evaluating a consumer wearable solution, and additional potential integrations for cocaine, marijuana and opioids detection.