In the interview with Christian Beer, owner and managing director of SAFEDI Distance Control GmbH

Within just a few weeks, the team at Heron Innovations Factory in Dornbirn succeeded in developing SAFEDI – a technical innovation that protects the particularly sensitive facial area from infections with Bluetooth-based distance warnings and, in the event of a confirmed infection, precisely traces the infection chain 100% through an anonymous close-contact diary – all without using personal data. Christian Beer, owner and managing director of SAFEDI Distance Control GmbH, explains how this came about and how SAFEDI helps to shorten economic and social standstill.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: Mr. Beer, how did the development of SAFEDI come about?

The starting point for SAFEDI was an observation: we noticed that our employees tend to move closer together during conversations – a widespread behavioral pattern that cannot be changed quickly. From this experience, the question arose of how we can help our employees maintain a safe distance in times like these and keep business operations running. We also asked ourselves how we can best determine which employees have come too close to each other in order to precisely trace the infection chain in an emergency – and preferably with a single tool. To solve this task, we pooled the expertise of our group of companies in a team. Initially, the idea of an app was also considered. However, this was discarded for technical reasons and due to ease of use. With our many years of experience as an innovative manufacturing company, we developed SAFEDI – SAFE DISTANCE Control. Thanks to the enormous commitment of our cross-company team, we were able to provide the first prototypes to various companies for field tests in the shortest possible time. These tests confirmed that with SAFEDI we have developed a device that exactly meets the needs currently present in this situation: maintaining a safe distance and tracing the infection chain – to protect people in companies and in everyday life.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How does SAFEDI work?

SAFEDI serves two functions. With the distance warning via Bluetooth, it helps maintain a safe distance from other SAFEDI devices. SAFEDI is worn as a clip on the chest area of outer clothing. As soon as people approach each other, SAFEDI emits a single optical pre-warning signal. If the minimum distance in the facial area, which is particularly at risk of infection, is not maintained, SAFEDI triggers optical and acoustic signals as a reminder to maintain a safe distance. In addition, SAFEDI offers all users the option to register their device online and keep an anonymous close-contact log – without using any personal data. This records which SAFEDI ID numbers have fallen below the safe distance. If an infection is confirmed, those SAFEDIs that were in close contact with the infected person according to the close-contact log are notified. This is done via push notification. Each person remains completely anonymous. With these two functions, SAFEDI supports us in the necessary behavioral change and helps counteract infections. In the event of an infection, the chain of close contacts can be precisely traced. This relieves the burden on the healthcare system and strengthens the economy.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: How is data protection ensured with SAFEDI?

The best data protection is no data. For the close-contact log, only the SAFEDI ID of the device is registered, not the person – neither name nor gender, no date of birth, and no time, location, or health data are stored. For traceability in the event of an infection, only those SAFEDI IDs that have come too close to each other are recorded. All ID numbers older than the possible incubation period are automatically deleted.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What advantages does SAFEDI offer for companies?

SAFEDI prevents the complete shutdown of companies in the event of a confirmed infection. With the anonymous close-contact log, the chain of infection can be precisely traced and the company's defined action recommendations can be implemented. For example, if notified of an infection, only those people who were in close contact with the infected person would need to get tested or go into quarantine or work from home. All other employees can continue with their tasks as usual and thus maintain operations. Another advantage is the ease of use. As long as SAFEDI is worn on outer clothing and is flashing, it is automatically active. SAFEDI cannot be accidentally switched off or deactivated by power-saving mode.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: You mentioned earlier that a field test with SAFEDI took place in several companies. Have any new developments resulted from this?

Based on the feedback from the field tests, SAFEDI was optimized accordingly and the focus was placed on developing new updates and features to meet a wide range of needs. For example, the newly developed SAFEDI Synchro Hub addresses the desire for an all-inclusive package for companies. It serves both as a charging station and for synchronizing the SAFEDI identification numbers into the anonymous close-contact diary—without the need for a smartphone or the app. Currently, a field test is underway with this in a school. Recently, the acoustic warning signal can be turned on and off via the app as well as the SAFEDI Synchro Hub station. Additionally, a search and detection function for the device has been implemented.

DIGITAL FUTUREmag: What are the next steps?

SAFEDI has been in production and delivery since early May. We have already recorded over 20,000 orders, production is running at full speed, and further development is being driven forward. A critical success factor in production is the dependency on parts from the Far East, but we are optimistic about this. We will continue to work on additional developments for SAFEDI to help as many industries as possible resume operations.

Contact:

SAFEDI Distance Control GmbH
Dr. Walter Zumtobel Straße 2
A 6850 Dornbirn

Phone: +43 / 5572 / 22000 600
Email: info@safedi.com
Web: https://safedi.com/