The densification of cities, or lack there of, is a hot topic right now. As our population grows, the demographic makeup of our cities will change, and the way we live will be affected. But there has been less talk about the crowding nature of the spaces within the places we live. That’s all starting to change thanks to Density, a small sensor that measures the real-time population of places like cafés, bars, gyms, and retail centers.

The device can be placed in storefront entrances to measure the inflow and outflow of people—giving business owners historical and real-time data of daily foot traffic. It acts as a break-beam sensor and does the job of a video monitor, but it is cheaper, more aesthetically pleasing, anonymous, and the data is more readily accessible.