Hitachi, Nippon Signal Co. and the University of Yamanashi recently showcased a prototype boarding gate equipped with a built-in explosives detector.
As the passenger scans their boarding pass, the machine releases a small puff of air, consequently releasing any minute particles that were clinging to the hands and clothes. The air is immediately sucked back into the machine and analyzed for any explosive materials. This entire process requires only a couple of seconds so it won't delay lines at the airport, reported Minoru Sakairi, the senior chief researcher.
The explosives detector works for metal and non-metal based bombs and is programmed to "pick up people who legally work with chemicals with explosive characteristics" too.
Inhaling Bomb Sensors
Japan's Explosives Detector Can Find Threatening Materials in a Single Puff
Trend Themes
1. Explosives Detection Technology - Developing airport security technologies to detect explosive materials in a non-invasive and efficient manner creates innovation opportunities for aviation security companies.
2. Non-invasive Screening Methods - Using air sampling to detect explosives and other prohibited materials can disrupt traditional screening methods and create opportunities for alternative screening processes.
3. Chemical Detection Algorithms - Developing advanced algorithms to detect explosive materials alongside other substances that may be innocuous can revolutionize the security industry and provide unique selling propositions for security companies.
Industry Implications
1. Aviation Security - Implementing screening technologies in airports and other travel hubs creates business opportunities for companies in the aviation security industry.
2. Defense Manufacturing - Designing, manufacturing and installing non-invasive explosives detection technology provides innovation opportunities for companies in the defense manufacturing industry.
3. Software Engineering - Developing chemical detection algorithms alongside hardware technology can create software engineering opportunities for companies to integrate machine learning and artificial intelligence into security applications.