A handheld, ultra-sensitive device for rapid contactless explosive vapour detection in open air, based on Ion Mobility Universal Sensor Technology

Project Information

I-MUST

Grant agreement ID: 744926

DOI

10.3030/744926

Project closed

EC signature date 15 December 2016

Start date 1 December 2016

End date 31 March 2017

Funded under

• Secure societies - Protecting freedom and security of Europe and its citizens

Total cost

€ 71 429,00

EU contribution

€ 50 000,00

Coordinated by

EYE ON AIR BV
Netherlands

Periodic Reporting for period 1 - I-MUST (A handheld, ultra-sensitive device for rapid contactless explosive vapour detection in open air, based on Ion Mobility Universal Sensor Technology)

Reporting period: 2016-12-01 to 2017-03-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

57% of terrorists’ attacks in the world are conducted with explosives, a serious threat especially in Airports, since they are easy to acquire but difficult to spot. Eye On Air developed I-Must (Ion Mobility Universal Sensor Technology), an ultra-sensitive and compact for Ion Mobility Spectrometry able to detect Volatile Organic Compounds. Its exceptional sensitivity (0.1 ppb) and specificity (150+ dangerous compounds detectable), and an extremely low time of analysis (2-5 s), make this enabling technology the perfect fit for Explosive Trace Detection (ETD) in Airports. Its ultra-small dimensions (comparable to a 1 € coin) makes I-Must a real game changer: possibility arises to implement distributed security systems for explosive detection. Its integration in a mat-like device, the so-called AirBrush, makes the device suitable for shoes’ scanning without the need, for passengers, to remove shoes. This is a great achievement for airports, who need to perform effective security controls, usually time consuming, while granting a pleasant user experience for their customers, passengers that usually need to wait long time for security checks. The goals of Phase 2 are to engineer the scaled-up version of the AirBrush and to conduct operational tests in one of the most important European Airports (already secured). The device will need to be validated by the competent authorities and will be then ready for commercialization.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

Eye on Air undertook a full analysis of both the technical and business potential of the I-Must technology and made a detailed assessment of market size, customer segments and competitors. The product roadmap for the integration of the I-Must sensor has been defined and the AirBrush has been identified as the most promising device to bring to the market, given its uniqueness and the real need experienced on the market. During Phase 1 project, AMR established both an engineering and industrialisation plan, and addressed its value chain, identifying early on strategic partnerships with clients that will be fundamental to both the successful delivery of the Phase 2 project and through commercialization.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The expected outcome of the project is to start full commercialisation AirBrush at the end of Phase 2 as a reliable innovation, validated and accepted by relevant customers. AirBrush will represent a disruptive solution in the field airport security, not only because of its unequalled sensitivity, but also because it is the unique not requiring to remove shoes. Eye on Air will create new highly qualified jobs and will boost economic growth for European SMEs in its entire value chain.

ims.jpg