Listen to this articleKINETIC is a smart hardware startup, which has developed a wearable device and analytics platform for the industrial workforce to combat COVID-19 and reduces workplace injuries. Below is our recent interview with Haytham Elhawary, CEO and co-founder of KINETIC:
Q: Can you give us more insights into your wearable device?
A: The smart, wearable KINETIC Reflex device reduces the incidence of workplace injuries by automatically detecting unsafe postures and providing workers with real time feedback whenever a high-risk motion occurs. Over time, workers can use Reflex to improve their biomechanics on the job, resulting in fewer injuries and improved well-being. Safety managers can view risk data in the KINETIC dashboard, which can be used to make targeted changes to workplace processes that can help to reduce injury risk further.
KINETIC recently added automated proximity alerts and contact tracing capabilities to its Reflex wearable device to increase workplace safety during the Covid-19 pandemic. The upgraded Reflex helps facilitate social distancing for the workforce and enables precise and accurate contact tracing.
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Q: Who would be your ideal user and why?
A: KINETIC is primarily deployed in industrial settings, such as warehouses, construction, manufacturing, transportation, retail and health care. Customers include PepsiCo, Iron Mountain and JLG Industries, as well as leading manufacturers and logistics/transportation providers.
The Reflex wearable is designed for the industrial workforce. The device is ruggedized, drop proof, waterproof, and loaded with other features to allow it to survive the workfloor. It securely fastens to waistbands with an industrial grade closure and spring loaded retention clip. The Reflex device easily docks for recharging and is powered by a best in class battery for extended usage.
Q: You’ve recently raised $11,250,000 in Series A funding; can you tell us something more?
A: By rapidly updating the Reflex device to include contact tracing and proximity alerts for workers, through a simple software update, KINETIC was able to keep their product relevant and sales growing even during the pandemic. This ability to further meet client needs during the pandemic helped KINETIC secure the $11.25 million Series A funding round led by Crosslink Capital and joined by Primary Ventures, Nationwide’s venture capital team, Prologis Ventures and Ubiquity Ventures. The new investment will help KINETIC grow and scale its engineering, sales and marketing teams and support the development of the second generation of the KINETIC Reflex wearable device.
Additionally, KINETIC was recently issued a broad patent for using a wearable device to perform contact tracing and proximity alerts by the U.S. Patent office. Understanding the immense toll Covid-19 continues to take on the lives of so many people, KINETIC chose to open use of its patent for free public domain use for the duration of the pandemic,through the Open Covid Pledge.The company’s hope is that other organizations can use the technology to help provide solutions to keep essential workers safe.
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Q: What are your plans for the future? Do you have any new features in the pipeline?
A: As Covid continues to disrupt warehouse workers and operations, the demand for wearable tech will continue to rise. As such, KINETIC plans to triple the number of devices the company has in the field over the next six months.
The next phase of the company is to figure out how to accelerate distribution of the product through different channels, and also to develop the next generation of the product with new sensors, features and use cases.
Last Updated on December 20, 2020
