A team of students from Tamil Nadu is in the process of giving the final touches to the first-of-its-kind wearable taser system. The device could be a boon for women who face the risk of becoming victims of crimes like rape and physical assault. According to the latest National Crime Records Bureau 2013 annual report, more than 25,000 rape cases were reported across India.

‘Kavach,’ the automated wearable taser tool does not require a physical action from the wearer to activate it. “It is a wearable multi-parameter protection device,” Anmol Saxena, one of the members of the team from the VIT University, said. “The entire defence system is automated.”

In other words, the device, which works on the wearer’s stress response, requires almost no activation response from the person under attack. It also ensures the person’s security by immediately alerting the responsible persons. “The aggressor is paralyzed by the taser as soon as he makes physical contact with the intended victim,” the product’s designer, S.S. Datta said.

The battery-run Kavach sensors are programmed using MATLAB system in order to monitor every movement and responses of the wearer and activate the taser system when the wearer is under threat. There is also the option to turn the taser system on manually.

Datta added that the Kavach implements an IOS App to prevent the abuse of the system and to safeguard and inform other citizens. Each time the device is activated, it updates the GPS coordinates online.

The team has already applied for the patent, and is all set to approach the authorities for licensing and certification for general use.

Photo: Kavach, the wearable taser system invented by students of the VIT University.