UT professor and PhD student using AI to help improve safety during active shooter situations [Video]

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — A team of researchers from the University of Tennessee and Iowa State University are using artificial intelligence technology to help people make decisions when there is an active shooter. 

ASTERS, or Active Shooter Tracking and Evacuation Routing for Survival, is not yet a company. However, the researchers said they are working towards making a product that can help people. 

Subhadeep Chakraborty is the co-founder and CEO of ASTERS, as well as an associate professor at UT in the Tickle College of Engineering. He said as a father the company’s work is personal.

“We want our systems to be there like a shield,” he said. “They don’t have to see it. They don’t have to carry a reinforced backpack just to protect themselves. It should not damage the sanctity of the learning environment.”

It works in three steps, listed below.