Page 37 - EngineerIt February 2021

INDUSTRY AND TECHNOLOGY

AURA builds world’s first WhatsApp security chatbot in

partnership with Tracker

URA’s security and medical response platform has launched the world’s
Afirst WhatsApp security chatbot in partnership with Tracker, a stolen
vehicle recovery company.
Powered by AURA, Tracker’s unique Tracker CareGuard service offers
rapid mobile emergency response anywhere, anytime within South Africa.
The new cutting-edge solution enables subscribers to request immediate
mobile armed response assistance wherever they are by sharing a location
pin in WhatsApp.
Warren Myers, CEO of AURA says the new WhatsApp service illustrates
the power of technology in preventing and combating crime and the role it
plays in enabling South African businesses to offer innovative security
products and services to customers. “The Tracker CareGuard service is
another important step towards increasing the accessibility of crucial
emergency services in South Africa where the vast majority of people are
unable to afford the benefits of private security.”
“WhatsApp is used by over two billion people in over 180 countries.
With such widespread popularity and reach in South Africa, WhatsApp is from static manned guards toward technology-based detection linked to
the most coherent delivery tool to put private security in the hands of fast human responses have the potential to make the biggest impact in
those who need it at an affordable price point. Such a tool is not only easy eradicating crime, both in South Africa and across the globe. Our data on-
to use, but is easily shareable too, making it a quick and responsive demand service uses statistical data to guide decision-making which in turn
means of fighting crime.” assist private security companies to become more affordable, accessible
The WhatsApp security chatbot connects to AURA’s nationwide network and effective.” says Myers. n
of over 1,500 armed responders. By making use of artificial intelligence and
machine learning to streamline its system, the AURA-backed Tracker Readers can test the service by saving 0861 222 781 as a
CareGuard solution ensures that the closest responders are dispatched to a WhatsApp contact on their mobile device and typing ‘Hi’ in the
distress call. chat to initiate a demonstration.
“Security technologies which enable broad access and the migration VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnG3YAcpRYk

CSIR and Siemens partner to boost
SA’s 4IR competitiveness

n 3 February 2021, Siemens and the CSIR signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster
Otechnical vocational education and training (TVET). This relates to key technical and digital skills to
contribute to the employability of the local workforce and enhancement of the quality of job profiles.
CSIR CEO Dr Thulani Dlamini said the partnership with Siemens forms part of the CSIR strategy to foster
partnerships with the private and public sectors to respond to the needs of industry in order to improve
the lives of South Africans.
Through this partnership, Siemens will also be part of the South Africa Centre for the Fourth
Industrial Revolution (C4IR-SA) and will assist in positioning the C4IR-SA as a thought leader in
innovative digital technologies. The C4IR-SA, hosted at the CSIR, aims to mobilise public-private
partnerships to co-create enabling governance frameworks in order to optimally harness the potential of
4IR technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain and big data for societal advancement.
The cooperation will also focus on piloting digital industry solutions in key sectors such as food and
beverage, water, cyber security and manufacturing; the solutions are for smart and sustainable cities Dr Thulani Dlamini
that are geared towards better and more equitable livelihoods for all South Africans.
To align with the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) network of centres, Siemens has developed a everyday business practices. This involves the
comprehensive South Africa 4IR roadmap, which will empower the country to seize the opportunities of digital transformation of industry to ensure that
digitalisation and especially Industry 4.0 solutions, while upskilling the South African workforce and industrial processes become more adaptable,
creating new high-quality jobs. flexible and efficient, allowing businesses to
“The business environment is becoming more entrenched in the constant technological evolution meet customers’ needs in the most reliable
and the industrial sector has been gradually integrating the use of automation and connectivity in its way” said Sabine Dall'Omo from Siemens. n

EngineerIT | February 2021 | 35