Sterling Heights’ Key Safety Systems Invests in Wearable Device Company

Sterling Heights-based Key Safety Systems, a supplier of safety components, has invested in Philadelphia-based ActiveProtective Technologies Inc., a wearable consumer device company that will introduce a smart belt designed to protect a wearer’s hips during a fall.
2502

Sterling Heights-based Key Safety Systems, a supplier of safety components, has invested in Philadelphia-based ActiveProtective Technologies Inc., a wearable consumer device company that will introduce a smart belt designed to protect a wearer’s hips during a fall.

ActiveProtective, in partnership with Key Safety Systems, has designed a smart belt designed to protect a wearer’s hips during a fall. The belt automatically deploys a personal airbag over the hip when a fall is detected, reducing the impact forces by up to 90 percent.

“This investment in the personal protection sector is well aligned with Key Safety Systems’ commitment to expand our addressable market,” says Tony Nardone, president of the specialty products division of Key Safety Systems.

Nardone says the two companies signed a development agreement in which Key Safety Systems will provide technical support and contribute inflatable device and systems expertise to ActiveProtective.

“With this collaboration, we’ve strengthened our ability to bring advanced wearable protection to the market quickly, reliably, and effectively,” says Drew Lakatos, CEO of ActiveProtective.

Lakatos says in the United States, it’s estimated that one in three people over the age of 65 experience a fall each year, resulting in annual medical costs of about $30 billion.

Key Safety Systems supplies safety systems to both automotive and non-automotive industries. The company has 32 sales, manufacturing, and engineering facilities.