Thiruvananthapuram:
A Kerala firm has developed a new device to protect women from sexual offenders and other forms of violence.
The Amrita Personal Safety System (APSS) is an inconspicuous, wearable and easy-to-operate electronic device that will help girls and women to trigger communication with family and police when in distress, Krishnashree Achuthan, Director of Kollam-based Amrita University's Centre for Cyber Security Systems & Networks', said in a release.
"The device will remain invisible to the offender and yet can easily be triggered by its user with multiple option to ensure stealthy and secure communication," she said.
The device also offers automated information to the nearest police station, hospitals and fire stations about the victim so that she can get immediate help, she said.
The Amrita Centre for Cyber Security is making efforts to ensure that this device is securely lodged in an earring or a ring, she added.
"We are designing it so that it can be affordable. The device will soon be equipped with technology that can videotape events," she said.
A distinct feature of APSS is that it can function even in rural areas where the speed of communication is minimal. It can function indoors and outdoors with minimal power consumption.
The device integrates more than 15 features pertaining to women's safety and security. "Significantly, it can also be used as a safety device for mentally challenged people with many functionalities to quickly identify their whereabouts."
The APSS prototype will be formally unveiled during 'Amritavarsham60', the 60th birthday celebrations of spiritual and humanitarian leader Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, from September 26-27.
She also is the Chancellor of Amrita University.