Vanderbilt Researchers Pioneer AI-Powered Gunshot Detection to Support Safer Communities

Using AI to Improve Community Safety

Vanderbilt researchers have received a $698K NSF CIVIC Innovation Challenge grant to develop a novel gunshot detection system that could serve as a model nationwide.

Led by Will Hedgecock with co-PIs Akos Ledeczi, Charles Loeffler (Penn), and Kathleen Padilla (ASU), the project combines:
✅ Wall-powered acoustic sensors residents can easily install
✅ Vanderbilt’s patented sensor fusion + machine learning to locate shots within ~15 yards
✅ Strong community partnerships to ensure trust, ownership, and effectiveness

The pilot deployment will take place in North Austin, TX, a community of 27,000 residents.

By blending technical innovation with community engagement, the team aims to not just detect gunfire, but to build safer, stronger neighborhoods.

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