Cannabix Breath Sampler
A handheld breath analysis device designed to detect cannabis impairment at roadside checkstops with accuracy and ease of use. The prototype demonstrates novel breath detection technology while accommodating the diverse grip positions and handling needs of law enforcement officers.
Cannabix developed proprietary technology to detect cannabis impairment through breath analysis, but needed a functional prototype to demonstrate the concept to investors and secure funding for further development.
The challenge was creating a form factor that could support multiple grip positions used by enforcement officers during traffic stops, while internally accommodating off-the-shelf sensor packages and fully functional components within a compressed two-month timeline.
The design process began with foam modelling to explore ergonomic grip positions from both the officer's perspective (administering the test) and the driver's perspective (providing a breath sample). These models revealed how internal components could be oriented efficiently while maintaining intuitive handling in different contexts.
The final prototype balanced functional performance with a form that communicated confidence and reliability to investors and regulatory stakeholders. The completed demo generated significant investor interest, resulting in a $17 million shareholder valuation increase and enabling continued research and development.
Foam prototypes explored different grip orientations and ergonomic positions for both test administrators and test subjects.
The functional demonstration prototype, fully integrated and ready for investor presentations and field validation.