Smarter Security and Alcatraz AI have joined forces to bring forward the latest innovations in access control technology. This collaboration combines Smarter Security’s expertise in physical security turnstiles with Alcatraz AI’s cutting-edge biometric authentication technology, creating a powerful synergy that revolutionizes building security. Together, we are setting new benchmarks for security, convenience, and compliance in enterprise environments. We sat down with Tina D’Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz AI, to discuss our powerful collaboration, the new Rock X, and the evolving landscape of biometric security.
Tina D’Agostin, Alcatraz AI CEO and Co-Founder
What is Alcatraz AI?
D’Agostin: “Alcatraz AI is the most secure, private, and frictionless biometric solution for access control in the physical world. With its patented technology, Alcatraz AI’s facial authentication and intelligent tailgating detection work natively with all access control systems to transform the security experience. As the pioneer of Facial-Authentication-as-a-Service (FAaaS), Alcatraz AI has made biometric access available to all enterprises, ensuring the safety of more than one million employees at Fortune 500 companies. Trusted by data centers, life sciences, financial institutions, higher education, airports, stadiums and arenas, telecom, and critical infrastructure entities, Alcatraz AI sets the global standard for access control credentialing.”
What are the benefits of biometric security?
D’Agostin: “Biometric security, particularly facial authentication, offers a frictionless and secure access control solution that eliminates the need for physical badges or PINs, allowing individuals to gain entry with just a glance. Alcatraz AI’s system incorporates advanced liveness detection, ensuring that it cannot be spoofed by photographs, videos, or masks. This technology confirms that the person is physically present, providing a robust defense against unauthorized access. With enterprise-grade compliance with privacy standards, Alcatraz AI’s biometric solution delivers both convenience and top-tier security, making it an ideal choice for modern organizations seeking reliable and sophisticated access control.”
What demands have you noticed in the security industry, and how has Alcatraz responded to those needs?
D’Agostin: “In response to growing market demand for a versatile and reliable identity tool for access control that works seamlessly in all lighting and weather conditions, Alcatraz AI introduced the Rock X. This advanced solution is designed for both indoor and outdoor use, ensuring robust performance anywhere, anytime. Additionally, we’ve addressed customer feedback on aesthetics by offering a flat mount configuration that integrates beautifully with Smarter Security turnstiles, making it an ideal choice for corporate buildings focused on both security and design.”
What are the key differences in this new version of the Rock X?
D’Agostin: “The Rock X represents a leap in biometric access control technology. We’ve engineered it to be the ultimate all-weather, all-condition access control solution. Imagine a device that can authenticate users in pitch darkness or under the brightest sunlight, withstand extreme temperatures, and remain fully functional even in a downpour. That’s Rock X. We’ve also significantly enhanced its durability, making it vandal-resistant, and expanded its integration capabilities.”
To illustrate the advancements of the Rock X, D’Agostin shared key specifications that highlight its enhanced performance and durability:
Enhanced Performance and Adaptability:
- Excels in any lighting condition: Rock X authenticates users in any lighting condition, from complete darkness to intense sunlight, with a range of 0 lux to 120k lux, providing reliable access control around the clock.
- Extreme temperature tolerance: With a temperature range of -40°C to 66°C (-40°F to 150°F), Rock X is built to withstand the harshest climates, ensuring consistent performance in all weather conditions.
Unmatched Durability and Security:
- Complete waterproof and dustproof protection (IP66): Rock X remains fully operational even in challenging and harsh weather conditions (rain, snow, or power washer), providing reliability and functionality.
- Vandal-resistant design (IK08): Rock X’s IK08 rating allows it to withstand physical impact, providing robust security and extreme durability.
Advanced Functionality and Integration:
- Expanded mounting orientations to allow low-profile mounting on Turnstiles.
- IP Intercom (SIP) functionality with a microphone and speaker: Rock X seamlessly integrates with digital intercom systems or PBX supporting SIP, facilitating convenient two-way communication alongside access control.
- ONVIF camera compatibility: Adheres to the industry-standard ONVIF camera protocol, allowing seamless integration and interoperability with various systems.
Easy Integration with Access Control Systems:
- Wiegand and OSDP compatibility: Supports Wiegand and OSDP Secure Channel protocols, enabling simple integration with any Access Control System (ACS) and facilitating connectivity and interoperability with existing security infrastructure.
Optional Multi-Component Architecture for Enhanced Security:
- Secure data storage: The optional expansion module can be combined with Rock X for secure data storage on the secure side of the door, enhancing data protection and network security and ensuring the highest level of data privacy.
What role does security have in ADA compliance and accessibility?
D’Agostin: “Just as security equipment seeks to protect everyone, that same equipment must also seek to accommodate everyone. ADA compliance and accessibility are essential in security to ensure everyone has equal access and protection. The Alcatraz Rock X is designed with a wide viewing angle to read the faces of people in wheelchairs and successfully authenticate them, even though the Rock is mounted 62 inches above the floor to the center of the device. This means the Rock can be mounted above an existing reader that meets the ADA standard and still identify individuals using facial authentication. In fact, the Rock has a viewing area that extends down to people with an eye height of 43 inches, meeting the ADA standard, and can view the faces of individuals with an eye height of 7 feet.”
What makes Smarter Security and Alcatraz AI collaborations so strong? What unique value can users look forward to when combining the two together?
D’Agostin: “Smarter Security works seamlessly with Alcatraz AI by adding facial biometrics, making security frictionless and more secure. The new Rock X design looks sleek and modern. Alcatraz is transforming biometric authentications to have a modern, updated feel with the best aesthetics.”
Lastly, when can users get their hands on these products?
Customers can now place preorders for the first shipment of the Rock X, set to officially ship in early November. Alcatraz AI’s technology is compatible with most models of Smarter Security’s Fastlane turnstiles. Attendees at GSX, taking place from September 23-25 in Orlando, Florida, will have the opportunity to see the Rock X in action on Smarter Security’s latest turnstile model, the Glassgate 250 Plus. For more information, contact a representative today.
