Cargo Screening Ferret
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Sheffield
Department Name: Automatic Control and Systems Eng
Abstract
In this proposal we aim to develop a new approach to cargo screening where we take sensors to the contraband within cargo containers using mini-robots, providing rapid and highly sensitive detection of a range of contraband. A variety of technologies and methods are available and routinely used for the screening and detection of illegal substances and materials within cargo containers. These external screening systems are typically bulky, expensive and require ultra-high sensitivity as the sensor is remote from the cargo. Further, detailed investigation requires either time consuming unpacking of the cargo or the need for staff to enter the cargo putting them at risk of contamination from the contraband. This proposal addresses both the development of novel sensors and their delivery to the point of detection through the use of a robotic system / thus the sensing devices must be compact, low power and lightweight to be best tailored to use in this way. The development of effective sensors is designed to make a difference / to be able to detect specifically (and in very low concentrations) given illegal substances. The sensors developed are targeted to match the sensitivity of dogs in detecting substances, but not having the problem of distraction, tiring or confusion, with a much longer on-duty time, due to the inanimate nature of the sensor. The key advantage is that the sensors are able to detect multiple specific substances in compact devices ideally suited to mounting on the small robotic vehicle to be used for the delivery of the sensors to the region where the measurement has to be made.
Organisations
Publications
Fischbacher-Smith D
(2015)
Breaking bad? In search of a (softer) systems view of security ergonomics
in Security Journal
Nguyen T
(2016)
Intrinsic Fiber Optic pH Sensor for Measurement of pH Values in the Range of 0.5-6
in IEEE Sensors Journal
Nguyen T
(2012)
Intrinsic Fluorescence-Based Optical Fiber Sensor for Cocaine Using a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer as the Recognition Element
in IEEE Sensors Journal
Fischbacher-Smith D
(2015)
Navigating the 'dark waters of globalisation': Global markets, inequalities and the spatial dynamics of risk
in Risk Management
Wada A
(2012)
Optical Fiber Vibration Sensor Using FBG Fabry-Perot Interferometer With Wavelength Scanning and Fourier Analysis
in IEEE Sensors Journal
Sandall I
(2010)
Terahertz optical sideband emission in self-assembled quantum dots
in Applied Physics Letters
Fischbacher-Smith D
(2015)
The enemy has passed through the gate Insider threats, the dark triad, and the challenges around security
in Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance
Austin D
(2010)
X-shaped plasmonic antenna on a quantum cascade laser
in Applied Physics Letters
Description | Developed novel sensors for detecting very low concentrations of airborne particles. Can be used for detecting smuggled substances, pollution etc. Developed novel robot device for inspecting infrastructure. |
Exploitation Route | The original purpose of the grant was to detect illegal substances in cargo containers in ports. The developed technologies now have wider potential uses. The sensors can be used for detecting very low concentrations of airborne particles, e.g. pollution. The robot developed can be used for general inspection tasks, e.g. inspecting infrastructure such as bridges for faults. |
Sectors | Security and Diplomacy Transport |
Description | Developed novel sensors for detection of trace substances, e.g. drugs, for anti-smuggling. Developed novel robot for inspections tasks. |
First Year Of Impact | 2010 |
Sector | Security and Diplomacy |
Impact Types | Policy & public services |
Description | City University |
Amount | £140,298 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/J013552/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2012 |
End | 03/2013 |
Description | City University |
Amount | £140,298 (GBP) |
Funding ID | EP/J013552/1 |
Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
Sector | Public |
Country | United Kingdom |
Start | 03/2012 |
End | 03/2013 |