Aura Appoints Thomas Clayton Chief Operating Officer and President
'Tom's deep experience leading global operations and driving growth at scale makes him the right leader to accelerate Aura's next phase of expansion,' said Ravichandran. 'We're confident he'll enhance our impact in helping families everywhere navigate an increasingly complex connected world.'
Clayton has a strong track record of scaling technology companies, having held C-suite and other leadership roles at Peek, Bill.com and Houzz where he specialized in SaaS, fintech and small business platforms. As a former CEO and executive at high-growth, investor-backed companies—including Bubbly and BEA Systems (acquired by Oracle for $8.5B)—he has successfully led companies through critical growth phases across a range of industries. In addition to leading go-to-market strategy, Clayton will oversee Aura's customer experience (CX) and human resources (HR) functions.
Clayton holds an MBA from Harvard Business School, where he graduated as a Baker Scholar, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of California, Berkeley.
ABOUT AURA
Aura is one of the fastest growing online safety solutions for individuals and families. Whether you're protecting yourself, your kids, or your aging loved ones, Aura can meet your needs at every stage of life. Customers trust Aura's simple interface to effortlessly safeguard the things they care about most. Through real-time monitoring and alerts, Aura helps detect and mitigate emerging online threats, such as scams, predators and cyberbullying. To discover how Aura is reshaping online safety for people everywhere, visit www.aura.com.

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Fast Company
7 minutes ago
- Fast Company
AI is leveling the playing field for neurodivergent talent
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked conversations about job loss and identity. Roles are shifting, systems are evolving, and many wonder where people will fit. For neurodivergent individuals, though, AI can offer something else entirely. It is not a threat to their value, but a tool that helps reveal it. For those whose brains process information differently, AI can reduce the friction of daily tasks. It makes the world a little easier to navigate. When routine obstacles are removed, creativity and insight have more room to surface. The point is not to change how someone thinks, but to stop asking them to hide how they think in order to participate. I've experienced this myself. I grew up with dyslexia and a rare bone disease that kept me in a wheelchair throughout my childhood. The systems around me were rarely designed with my needs in mind. I was told that I would fall behind, and sometimes I did. But not because I lacked intelligence. I simply experienced the world in a different way. Over time, I learned to adapt. I found ways to approach problems creatively and built a career by thinking differently. Still, it wasn't until I began using AI tools in my daily work that I felt a sense of ease. Spellcheckers catch what I miss. Planning tools help me stay organized. Summarizers bring structure to my ideas. These tools don't replace my thinking, they make it more accessible to myself and to others. And when the right supports are in place, what becomes possible begins to shift for everyone. THE UNIQUE POWER OF NEURODIVERGENT MINDS This kind of support opens up new possibilities, not just for individuals but for organizations. Neurodivergent professionals often bring skills that are hard to teach. They recognize patterns, challenge assumptions, and approach complex problems from unexpected angles. As automation takes over repetitive tasks, these strengths are becoming even more valuable. Historically, though, workplaces have not been built to support this kind of contribution. Expectations have favored conformity over creativity. That is beginning to change. Partnerships like the one between Vanderbilt University and AllianceBernstein are showing what happens when we invest in cognitive diversity. Their research confirms what many of us have lived. When neurodivergent individuals are supported, they do more than fit in. They help move things forward. But when it comes to AI, we still need to understand its limits. It can process data and manage logistics, but it is limited in its ability to sense context in complex situations and generate the kind of deep, meaningful, and holistic conclusions that humans can. It does not imagine what could be. It waits to be told what to do. This is where neurodivergent minds shine. They are often at their best when structure breaks down. They bring innovation, ethical sensitivity, and imagination. These are the kinds of insights that AI cannot replicate. WHY SUPPORT MUST GO BEYOND TOOLS Still, understanding the language we use is only part of the picture. The environments we build matter just as much. The term neurodiverse describes the range of thinking styles in any group. Neurodivergent refers to individuals who think in ways that diverge from cultural expectations. Autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are all part of this category. We are all part of neurodiversity, but not all of us are neurodivergent. That distinction matters because it helps us move from vague inclusion to intentional design. Even in forward-thinking workplaces, many neurodivergent professionals still struggle in silence. Fast meetings, noisy spaces, and unspoken rules make it difficult to fully participate. Often, people hesitate to ask for accommodations, even when those changes would help them thrive. SUPPORT ISN'T AN EXCEPTION—IT'S JUST GOOD DESIGN A report from The Washington Post offers practical strategies to address this. It emphasizes that supporting neurodivergent professionals isn't about changing the individual, but about changing the environment. From quiet rooms to clear communication practices, small shifts can make a big difference. Research backs this up. Seventy percent of neurodivergent employees report feeling uncomfortable asking for support. That is not because they don't need it. It is because our systems still frame accommodations as exceptions instead of thoughtful design. Organizations can shift this dynamic by planning for difference from the start. NHS Employers has found that giving people more control over how and where they work leads to better outcomes for everyone. When we support one group well, we often make things better for all. These are not perks. They are proof that good design serves people. AI won't solve every challenge, but it can be a catalyst for unlocking human potential. It takes on the mental load that can block access to opportunity. It helps make space for difference without asking people to flatten themselves to fit in. That is a powerful beginning. The future of work will not be defined by how much we can automate. It will be shaped by how deeply we choose to value the minds that machines will never replace.


Forbes
9 minutes ago
- Forbes
Open-Source Leadership: What's Really At Stake
Kevin Dominik Korte: IT Innovation Strategist, Board Member. Expert in identity management, AI and open-source solutions. The open-source software movement has long been a symbol of global collaboration, transparency and shared progress. Yet, as China rapidly ascends to a leadership position in open source, especially in AI and critical infrastructure, worries in the West are mounting. It's a pivotal moment. While these broad concerns rightfully resonate with the public, politicians and the enterprise community, it's important not to be worried for the wrong reasons. We can't lose sight of what really is at stake here: the very real risks associated with technological dependence, security vulnerabilities and the shifting balance of digital power. If the West wishes to maintain its influence over the future of digital infrastructure and uphold the values that made open source so powerful, it must respond to China's challenge not with fear, but with more resounding and strategic involvement in open-source development. Squaring Security, Sovereignty And Geopolitics China's open-source surge is no accident. It's a calculated response to Western export controls and a strategic move aimed at reducing dependence on foreign technology. Chinese tech giants, such as Alibaba, Baidu and Huawei, have become prolific contributors to open-source projects, and China now produces a significant share of the world's leading open-source AI models. This shift has enabled China to scale innovation rapidly and integrate itself within the global technology ecosystem, in the process becoming a force to be reckoned with. However, the risks extend beyond technological competition heating up and China building a leading position. Analysts have observed that some Chinese open-source large language models (LLMs) and code libraries may contain security exploits or biases that could be used for surveillance, manipulation or even the export of controlled narratives beyond the Chinese state. Often, these risks are subtle. They hide within the complexity of software and AI models. As such, it's difficult to detect them post-factum—and even more challenging to eliminate them once end-users and companies have deployed those models. There's more at stake here than mitigating inherent technological risks. The future of open-source development raises fundamental questions about trust, accountability and digital sovereignty. If non-transparent or potentially adversarial actors shape the tools that underpin government, finance and public life, the integrity of those systems is at risk. Open source, when led by transparent and accountable communities, offers a path to digital autonomy and resilience. For example, CLIMADA is a free, open-source software framework that enables climate risk assessment and appraisal of adaptation options, helping researchers, policymakers and businesses analyze the impacts of natural hazards and explore adaptation strategies. Thus, it enables us to evaluate climate risks transparently, without fear or political interference. But if actors with different priorities take the lead, the very openness of the ecosystem can become a key vulnerability. Suddenly, open source will be only driven by the software being free, as in 'free' beer. Not by the desire to promote its freedom from undue influences, be they commercial, political or both. Heeding The Innovation Imperative Open source thrives on the inclusivity of different thoughts, code transparency and the meritocratic evaluation of contributions. For users, open-source software has democratized access to computers, enhanced privacy and provided us with powerful AI tools. Yet, relative underinvestment in open-source AI and critical infrastructure, driven by fear and by a search for short-term profits, has created an opening for others to set standards, shape ecosystems and define the direction of future technologies. If this trend continues, Western nations risk becoming consumers, rather than creators, of the next generation of digital tools. Losing the leadership position is not just about prestige and control. Open-source projects often wield a different, more substantial type of influence over technical standards, security protocols and even the ethical frameworks that govern the use of technology. Moreover, the fragmentation of the open-source community along geopolitical lines, driven by techno-nationalism and export controls, threatens the collaborative spirit that made open-source successful in the first place. If Western companies and governments retreat from global projects out of fear or mistrust, the ecosystem could splinter, reducing innovation and creating regional silos that are less secure and less robust. Building A Resilient, Inclusive And Secure Open-Source Future To address these challenges, Western tech companies must not only participate in open-source projects. Funding and leadership for critical projects, such as the Cloud Native Computing Foundation's Harbor, must represent its global user base. Diverse leadership enables us to establish high standards for transparency, security and ethical conduct. We must invest in local talent, support foundational projects and create incentives for sustained contributions and maintenance. It also requires governments and industry to collaborate in ensuring that open-source software remains a tool for empowerment rather than control. Transparency and explainability must become core principles, especially in AI. For this, we need rigorous audits, open governance models and shared codes of conduct that help build trust and accountability across borders. By fostering a diverse and inclusive community, open source projects can attract the talent and ideas needed to keep them vibrant and secure. Already, strategic investment in open-source infrastructure ensures that critical systems remain under democratic control and are not subject to the whims of foreign actors or commercial interests. Approaches such as the EU's Sovereign Tech Fund strengthen digital sovereignty and reinforce the social contract that underpins the open-source movement. We should not retreat into proprietary silos or walled-off and therefore subpar collaboration. Instead, we must renew engagement, investment and leadership. We must double down on the values that made open source a driver of global progress, transparency, inclusivity and shared innovation. Only then can we ensure that the digital future remains open, secure and aligned with democratic principles. Forbes Technology Council is an invitation-only community for world-class CIOs, CTOs and technology executives. Do I qualify?
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
AITX's RAD Launches 'Bailey's Promise,' Offers Firearm Detection AI to Every K-12 School in the U.S. at No Cost
RAD's AI-Powered Firearm Detection Technology Now Available as a Free Software-Only Solution to Protect Students and Educators Nationwide Detroit, Michigan--(Newsfile Corp. - August 7, 2025) - Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (OTCID: AITX) (the Company), today announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD) has launched Bailey's Promise, a nationwide initiative offering up to 10 of RAD's real-time firearm detection AI software license to every K-12 school in the United States at zero cost. While the firearm detection software license is provided free of charge, a one-time $499 onboarding fee and a $99 monthly service cost help ensure each school's system is properly configured, fully supported, and always ready to respond. These fees cover up to 10 existing IP cameras. Schools or districts wishing to expand coverage beyond 10 cameras may do so at a discounted rate of 50% off the standard per-camera license fee, making additional integrations affordable and scalable for larger facilities or multi-building campuses. This software-only solution enables schools to upgrade their existing surveillance camera systems into intelligent firearm detection systems, delivering rapid alerts and initiating emergency protocols when a visible weapon is detected. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Bailey's Promise builds upon the foundation of RAD's earlier campaign, Bailey's Gift, which donated firearm detection hardware to a limited number of schools. With this new initiative, RAD removes the barriers of high cost, allowing any school with compatible camera infrastructure to access and deploy the technology quickly. Many schools already have surveillance cameras in place but lack the ability to detect firearm threats in real time given the difficulty to persistently staff and watch surveillance cameras. Bailey's Promise bridges that gap with a powerful, easy-to-activate upgrade that brings immediate protective value. The initiative is named in honor of Bailey Holt, a kind and vibrant 15-year-old who was killed during a school shooting in 2018. Since then, her mother, Secret Holt, has been a passionate advocate for RAD's mission and has played an active role in both the Bailey's Gift and Bailey's Promise campaigns. "The fact that RAD is now offering this technology to every school means everything to me," said Secret Holt. "No school should hesitate. If this software can help prevent even one tragedy, it's worth it. Time is a thief, and it doesn't discriminate. The next victim could be anyone's child. I truly hope every school in the country takes this opportunity to protect their students." "We hear it every time, thoughts, prayers, statements of concern, promises to do better," said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. "But now the technology exists to actually do better, and we are removing every excuse not to act. Bailey's Promise gives every school the power to detect firearms before a tragedy unfolds. It costs nothing. It requires no new hardware. What more do we need? If we truly care about protecting our kids, the time to act is right now." Schools, districts, law enforcement agencies, and members of the media can learn more about Bailey's Promise and request access to the program by visiting Enrollment is open now, and RAD encourages all school leaders to explore how this free solution can be deployed quickly to help safeguard their students and staff. Typically, activating Bailey's Promise is fast and straightforward. No new equipment is needed, and no technical overhaul is required. Schools simply enroll in the program and apply the software to their existing camera systems. Once operational, the AI continuously monitors for visible firearms and can trigger immediate alerts, helping schools respond in real time before a situation escalates. The software works with most modern IP-based security cameras and requires no special hardware or reconfiguration. It runs alongside a school's existing security systems, adding powerful firearm detection capabilities without disrupting current operations. The process is simple, the impact is immediate, and the system is designed to integrate smoothly into what schools already have in place. Each school that enrolls in Bailey's Promise receives a free license covering up to 10 camera connections. Additional camera integrations beyond the initial 10 can be added at a discounted rate of 50% off the standard per-camera license fee, ensuring broader coverage remains accessible and affordable. With an estimated 115,000-130,000 schools serving K-12 students across the country1, the reach of Bailey's Promise is both immediate and scalable. Most schools operate with dozens to a few hundred legacy IP cameras. RAD's Bailey's Promise supports the first ten camera connections at no cost and scales affordably to cover existing infrastructure. "We estimate the number of installed school security cameras across the U.S. exceeds 3 million," concluded Reinharz. "These systems are watching, but they're not protecting. Bailey's Promise is about turning that existing infrastructure into real-time defense. If a school already has cameras, there's no reason not to add this layer of life-saving intelligence." The system identifies visible firearms in fractions of a second and autonomously executes predetermined response protocols. These may include activating visual and audible alerts, initiating mobile notifications, emergency escalations, and integrations with lockdown or mass notification systems. This level of real-time detection and engagement can provide schools with critical seconds to act, potentially saving lives and minimizing harm. "As a security professional who has spent decades helping organizations protect lives and manage risk, I can say without hesitation that Bailey's Promise is a breakthrough," said Jeff Slotnick, CPP, PSP. "It removes the financial and logistical barriers that have slowed adoption of proactive firearm detection in schools. RAD's approach is practical, proven, and immediately deployable. School leaders, law enforcement, and policymakers now have a responsibility to act. The tools exist. The threat is real. There are no more acceptable delays." RAD has submitted its firearm detection software for designation under the Support Anti-Terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Once approved, this designation would formally recognize the solution as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology, extending important liability protections to both RAD and the schools that deploy the technology. AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry2 through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry's existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company's operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, reinforcing the Company's credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. About Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions (AITX) AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX's RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare. To learn more, visit and or follow Steve Reinharz on X @SteveReinharz. CAUTIONARY DISCLOSURE ABOUT FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS The information contained in this publication does not constitute an offer to sell or solicit an offer to buy securities of Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the "Company"). This publication contains forward-looking statements, which are not guarantees of future performance and may involve subjective judgment and analysis. The information provided herein is believed to be accurate and reliable, however the Company makes no representations or warranties, expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or completeness. The Company has no obligation to provide the recipient with additional updated information. No information in this publication should be interpreted as any indication whatsoever of the Company's future revenues, results of operations, or stock price. ### Doug Clemons248-270-8273doug.c@ 1 To view the source version of this press release, please visit Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data