Fujitsu and Kia Motors have partnered for the first time in Australia to develop a prototype police vehicle that could be cheaper, easier and safer to operate.

The prototype that was built using Kia’s Stinger model – which is currently used by the
Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australian police – has fewer cabling,
equipment, software, and hardware compared to current police vehicles, eliminating issues associated with airbag deployment, blocking of vehicle controls and air conditioning vents, and improving police safety while in-vehicle.

The car’s existing infotainment screen has also been programmed to display emergency
response information and controls in one place to replace previously disparate technology. Fujitsu’s biometric authenticating PalmSecure technology has been embedded into the gearstick, removing the need for seven login systems.

Fujitsu Australia CTO Peter Lawther told Telecom Times the prototype builds on Fujitsu’s
existing support it provides to public safety organisations.
“Fujitsu has considerable experience in supporting the needs of public safety organisation including police forces, through initiatives such as key policing systems such as the dispatch of police and emergency services personnel and vehicles, as well as body worn video,” he said.

“This vehicle represents the consolidation of these technologies to put them at the fingertips of police in the field and improve their overall safety. The police car concept builds on this expertise and draws from Fujitsu’s experience in taking a ‘human centric’ approach and innovative technology to improve the quality of life and work.”

As part of phase two of the development, there are plans to introduce artificial intelligence capabilities where on-board cameras can identify a car’s make and colour, including stolen vehicles, in car parks and traffic, as well as detect if an offender has drawn a weapon and can automatically send duress signals.

Lawther believes the prototype has the potential for a much wider application than just use within the police force. “This is an opportunity for Fujitsu to leverage its expertise in connected services infrastructure as well as global expertise in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and video analytics,” he said.

”The standard Stinger model is being adopted by some police forces in Australia and the
solution will work on any current car in the Kia family, opening the doors to discussions with other emergency services organisations or commercial fleets.”