International Automated Systems
| Company type | Public |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Founded | 1987 |
| Founder | Neldon Johnson |
| Headquarters | Salem, Utah , United States |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Neldon Johnson (principal founder and majority stakeholder) |
| Products | Solar power systems, automated retail self-checkout systems, biometric fingerprint identification devices, airport security systems, restaurant automation, bladeless turbines |
International Automated Systems, Inc. (IAS or IAUS) operates as a technology firm specializing in the research, design, manufacturing, marketing, and distribution of advanced technological products. Established in 1987 and headquartered in Salem, Utah, the company has been publicly traded on the over-the-counter market since 1988 under the ticker IAUS.PK. The principal founder and majority stakeholder is Neldon Johnson.
Beginning in 2013, IAUS encountered investigations due to dubious assertions concerning a solar power initiative. By 2018, the company was convicted on several fraud charges and mandated to remit $50 million in penalties and fines.
Solar Power
Since 2004, IAUS has concentrated on the innovation of a solar energy generation system that employs patented lenses to focus solar heat, creating steam that powers patented 'blade-less' turbines. Various prototype models have been showcased at multiple locations, with a full-scale installation underway since 2005 in Delta, Utah.
In 2018, IAUS was found guilty of executing a deceptive scheme; its "solar lens" devices failed to produce electricity and were mainly promoted to leverage tax incentives. Judge David Nuffer highlighted that Neldon Johnson and his associates intentionally propagated false information regarding tax advantages linked to these solar lenses.
Automated Retail
The company developed automated self-checkout systems for retail environments along with accompanying management software. A pilot grocery outlet named U-Check operated in Salem, Utah. Elements of IAUS’s technology were licensed to Optimal Robotics for an undisclosed amount, although Optimal Robotics had independently created its own self-checkout solution. A 2004 announcement confirmed a settlement between the two firms, with IAUS receiving a payment deemed insignificant by Optimal.
Biometrics and Fingerprint Identification
International Automated Systems created a biometric device incorporating an automated fingerprint identification mechanism (AFIM) that transforms an individual's fingerprint into a distinct, personalized code. This code can be digitally stored—for example, on the magnetic stripe of a credit card—allowing secure verification for transactions or access control through compatible AFIM readers.
Other Products
The company has also developed or is in the process of developing technologies related to airport security systems, automation of restaurant operations, bladeless turbines for power generation, as well as solar-based technologies aimed at producing electricity and gasoline.