KENNESAW, Ga. | Nov 15, 2023

Kennesaw State University engineering senior Jordan St. Louis is using high-tech imaging technology to improve the safety of law enforcement officers and the community. His company, Generalized Robotics, founded during his freshman year, has created a 360-degree police camera called Patrol Buddy Go and has found its first client in the Clayton County, Ga. Police Department.

Born and raised in Clayton County, St. Louis has been an engineer since the age of seven when he began learning robotics. However, it was his brother's dream of becoming a police officer that inspired the Patrol Buddy Go. St. Louis set out to develop a solution that would change law enforcement technology and help people like his brother do their jobs better.

“Traditional dash cameras are meant for the vehicle and can only capture so much when it comes to very important situations for officers,” St. Louis said. “Officers need more visibility and access to controls outside of the car.”

The result is a 360-degree high-resolution camera designed to sit atop an officer’s patrol car and record everything the vehicle encounters. What sets Patrol Buddy Go apart from similar technology is its intuitive user interface, which allows officers to seamlessly control the camera from within their patrol cars, significantly improving their safety and operational efficiency. Additionally, when an officer leaves the vehicle, the camera automatically tracks their movements, providing an unobstructed view of their surroundings and adding an extra layer of security.

Generalized Robotics, founded by St. Louis alongside his sister Tatianna and Temple University student Ope Ade-Odunuga, has signed an agreement with the Clayton County Police Department and plans to begin installing cameras on five vehicles in January as part of a pilot program. The company has worked closely on the project with Lieutenant Joshua Carr, who has provided “ground-zero input and access to officers who are out in the field,” St. Louis said.

St. Louis recently demonstrated Patrol Buddy Go to members of the Atlanta business community at an entrepreneurship showcase held at Fifth Third Stadium. Hosted by Kennesaw State’s Robin and Doug Shore Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center, the event highlighted 13 student- and alumni-launched ventures supported by the Center. Some of the other featured businesses included virtual reality video game developers, designers of an artificial intelligence veterinarian’s assistant, and a student who has created a wearable exoskeleton for athletes.

Each of the ventures has received startup funding through the RDSEIC’s Mookerji Innovation Fund, established by entrepreneurs Sid and Sophie Mookerji to foster students and alumni tech ventures. Through the fund, the RDSEIC has helped start 23 businesses since 2020. The Center also provides owners with invaluable mentorship tailored to their specific needs.

St. Louis received a $20,000 grant in October 2022 from the fund. With newfound financial support, he assembled a team of 22 individuals, including classmates and friends, each compensated with a share in the business. Among them is St. Louis’ sister, Tatianna, who serves as chief marketing officer, reinforcing the familial ties that have contributed to his company's success. Other key members of the team include Wesley Neuhaus, Bryce Cianciotto, and Steven Compton. 

Dennis Loubiere, program manager with the RDSEIC and adjunct professor with the Michael A. Leven School of Management, Entrepreneurship and Hospitality, works as St. Louis’s mentor. The two engage in regular one-on-one meetings, discussing vital topics and solutions relevant to the business. It was Loubiere’s idea for St. Louis to pitch Patrol Buddy Go to the CCPD.

"The classroom teaches theory, but these types of mentorships provide students with one-on-one coaching specific to them and their business,” said Loubiere. “Jordan is a very diligent businessperson. He puts in a lot of time and effort, and he's able to apply what he learns very effectively."

St. Louis said Loubiere’s guidance has been critical to Generalized Robotics’ success.

"I was able to think about things from an engineering perspective very well," said St. Louis. “Dennis has taught me to think with more of a business mind, helping me to figure out what people want and need and how I can make that happen."

St. Louis hopes his transformation from student to successful entrepreneur is a call to all aspiring student business owners at KSU to follow their dreams and to reach out to resources like the RDSEIC for mentorship and support.

"I am thankful that I went to KSU,” he said. “They have given me the majority of my support. I also have to thank my amazing team; they work really hard, and there's no way I would be able to do this without them."

– Daijah Sims

Photos by Judith Pishnery

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.