Ferreting out the smugglers - developing a robot to detect illegal imports

Researchers at the University of Sheffield are working on a new method of screening cargo, led by Dr Tony Dodd from the Department of Automatic Control and Systems Engineering.

The team are developing a device that matches the sensitivity of a sniffer dog yet avoids the problems of becoming distracted, tired or confused associated with using an animal. The compact robot, or 'cargo screening ferret', will be able to navigate cargo loads, and detect multiple illegal substances, even in low concentrations, using a series of specially-developed sensors.

The UK's primary defence against illegal imports such as drugs, explosives and humans involves screening cargo at airports and seaports. Various technologies are currently used, but these are typically bulky, expensive and only give information about the shape and density of objects, rather than their composition. Similarly, detailed investigation requires unpacking the cargo, which is time-consuming and puts customs officials at risk.

Current cargo screening systems are also rather limited: sniffer dogs can only be trained to detect specific items, and can only work for a limited time. Similarly, X-ray technology cannot be used at seaports as it would expose anyone hiding in containers to unacceptable levels of radiation. Despite the range of systems currently used, detecting the presence of people hidden in containers remains a huge problem.

The idea for Dr Dodd's 'cargo screening ferret' project sprang from an Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) event which teamed up academics with representatives from the Home Office and UK Border Agency to discuss possible new methods for detecting contraband such as drugs, weapons and illegal immigrants at airports and seaports. From this event, five projects were selected for EPSRC funding, including Dr Dodd's which is looking into how the proposed 'cargo screening ferret' would operate: "It might fly, crawl across surfaces or move on wheels – whichever method best suites our ultimate aim, which is to detect all types of contraband, from drugs, to explosives and people. Currently, no single system exists which can detect all types of contraband".

Researchers working with Dr Dodd will develop the sensors carried by the 'cargo screening ferret'. Dr Luke Wilson, of the University of Sheffield's Department of Astronomy and Physics, is currently producing one of the sensors, which uses a new type of laser to detect the presence of contraband. A further sensor is being developed at City University, whilst Loughborough University is involved in processing data for the project.

Dr Dodd and his team are working closely with end-users, such as the Home Office and the UK Border Agency, to ensure the device meets their needs. QinetiQ, a leading international defence and security technology company, is also working in partnership with Dr Dodd and Glasgow University to address the human factors associated with any new technology, and to understand how users will interact with the robots.

For further information, please contact Ian Kingsbury:

tel: 0114 222 1456

email : i.r.kingsbury@sheffield.ac.uk

Suggested link:

www.shef.ac.uk/acse/research/asrg/

Notes: This research was funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), one of the UK Government's 7 Research Councils.