Freedom vs. Safety: Axon CEO Rick Smith on the Future of Policing
Axon CEO Rick Smith joins David Friedberg to discuss the evolution of TASER from garage startup to multi-billion-dollar enterprise and its strategic pivot into cloud software and body cameras. Smith addresses civil liberties concerns regarding flock surveillance, autonomous drones, non-lethal robotics, and the ethical guardrails required for the future of law enforcement.
- TASER stock collapsed from a $2 billion market cap to $100 million in late 2004 after an SEC investigation froze municipal sales. Read →
- Axon bought nearly half of drone manufacturer Skydio, betting that automated drones stationed across American cities will respond to 911 calls within seconds. Read →
- Cameras already outnumber humans, making hardware bans practically impossible according to Axon CEO Rick Smith. Read →
- In June 2022, Axon announced plans to develop Taser-equipped drones for active school shootings, triggering immediate resignations from members of its AI ethics board. Read →
- Rick Smith started TASER in a Tucson garage in 1993 alongside inventor Jack Cover after two high school teammates died in a road rage shooting. Read →