DHS Awards $119K to Locuslabs, Inc for Intelligent Wayfinding Tech

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced Sept. 10, that LocusLabs Inc. of Oakland, California has received $119,100 to develop wayfinding technology as part of the Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP).

LocusLabs received their award under the Real Time, Intelligent Traveler Wayfinding for the Federal Inspection Stations and Aviation Environment (Wayfinding) solicitation which seeks solutions to enhance the customs process for Customs and Border Protection (CBP) ports of entry.

The proposed solution is LocusMaps, an interactive navigation tool that would allow for bi-directional communication, meaning users can receive information from CBP on how to better navigate the customs process while airports receive information allowing them to identify and analyze bottlenecks.

“Enabling communication between travelers and CBP is an important feature in intelligent wayfinding,” said Arun Vemury, an S&T Borders and Maritime Program Manager. “Current wayfinding methods are typically a multitude of static signs directing travelers to queues. It can be difficult for some travelers to know which queue is right for them. Bi-directional communication would allow CBP to tailor instructions to better inform and serve travelers and to provide a more streamlined process.”

LocusMaps will consist of a map and push notifications delivered directly to passenger phones via an opt-in mobile app. The map will include navigation guidance in addition to other points of interest within an airport, such as restaurants, stores or lounges. The product can be customized with contextual data, such as airline information about a passenger’s booking, preferred language and Trusted Traveler status.

“We are excited to see LocusLabs join our portfolio of Wayfinding companies,” said Melissa Ho, Managing Director of SVIP. “In this first phase of SVIP, LocusLabs will provide a proof of concept for its technologies to subject matter experts in DHS S&T and CBP. It has joined a rigorous program that could make its product more viable for DHS’s use-cases.”

Companies participating in the SVIP are eligible for up to $800,000 in non-dilutive funding to adapt commercial technologies for homeland security use cases.