Jangsu Communications, a partner of Motorola Solutions, said it plans to supply the HALO smart sensor to schools, focusing on elementary schools, to strengthen safety in campus blind spots where CCTV installation is restricted.
The device, developed by HALO Smart Solutions Inc., is an environmental and behavior-detection sensor built without cameras or microphones, a design the company describes as privacy-preserving. That structure is intended for use in areas where privacy is critical, such as restrooms, locker rooms and corridor blind spots, addressing limits of video-based security systems.
The HALO sensor is designed to analyze more than 20 environmental factors at once. It detects changes in sound patterns, movement, air quality and certain chemical components in real time, identifies anomalies and sends immediate alerts to administrators. Data are processed as event-based information rather than stored as video or audio, reducing the burden of handling personal data.
A key feature highlighted for schools is e-cigarette vaping detection. An onboard algorithm analyzes fine particles and chemical changes in the air to determine whether smoking has occurred, and is designed to distinguish attempts to mask odors with perfume or air fresheners. The company cited the need to address hard-to-spot smoking on campus as part of the rationale for adoption.
The system also monitors indoor air quality by continuously measuring key indicators including carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and issues warnings when levels exceed set thresholds. The data can be used to judge when ventilation is needed and to support steps to improve indoor conditions.
By detecting movement and sound patterns, the sensor can also flag abnormal noise, impact sounds and unusual behavior, offering a tool to help identify early signs of school violence or accidents. If linked with lighting and HVAC systems, it can support automatic control to improve energy efficiency and expand into predictive maintenance by using temperature and humidity data to detect potential equipment problems in advance.
Jangsu Communications said the system is designed for integration, supporting an open API that can connect with existing security systems and building management systems, with customization based on each institution’s operating environment. The company said some U.S. education institutions, including Castleberry Independent School District and Green Dot Public Schools, have reported using the system for vaping detection, air-quality improvements and accident prevention.
Industry observers say de-identified, sensor-based security technology is drawing attention as a way to meet both privacy protection and safety management needs, particularly in settings such as schools where privacy standards are strict.
A Jangsu Communications official said the company plans to expand the product in a form suited to South Korea’s education environment. The official said it is expected to help strengthen student safety by covering CCTV blind spots while reducing the management burden on teachers.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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