Part 4/10:
Smith is best known for founding Axon (originally Taser), which introduced the TASER device in 1993 as a non-lethal alternative to firearms for law enforcement. Recognizing that firearms are highly effective but also inherently deadly, Smith envisioned a future where officers and civilians could rely on less harmful tools to ensure safety.
"The firearm is the primary defensive weapon because of its reliability," Smith explains. "But it's also the tool of first resort." His long-term goal: replace guns with devices that can incapacitate without causing lasting harm.
Today, the TASER is carried by approximately 70% of U.S. police officers. While it has significantly reduced the reliance on deadly force, Smith candidly admits it isn’t perfect and has yet to permanently replace guns.