Project description
Handheld microwave imaging technology scanner to make airports safer
Current security measures in airports include the use of X-ray scanners and metal detectors. Albeit safe and simple, this technology can't detect non-metal threats such as plastic explosives. The EU-funded Walleye project will tackle this shortcoming by developing the world’s first fully portable scanner with microwave imaging technology intended for the burgeoning security screening and security detection system markets. The lightweight, battery-powered scanner features a revolutionary handheld camera that can see through luggage, walls, clothing, packaging, suitcases, shoes and opaque containers to provide video images of what’s inside. Thanks to its inexpensive design and capacity to detect a broader range of security threats, Walleye's technology has the potential to increase safety at airports.
Objective
Security measures currently used by security organisations and competent agents, within airports, may be limited, security organisations have been utilising X-ray scanner and, for decades, airport security officials depended on metal detectors to screen travellers for concealed weapons. The technology is safe and simple but has one glaring flaw: it cannot detect non-metal threats, including plastic explosives (The infamous underwear bomber almost exploited that flaw to devastating effect). There are processes and mechanisms that must be followed to ensure the safety and security of people, for example, in case of an abandoned luggage, authorities are forced to bring-in the bomb squad (In average, around 1,600 interventions every year by the bomb squad - 6 times a day at Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports in Paris ), and the area is usually cordoned off by soldiers or border police due to suspicious or unattended luggage.
Walleye is the world’s first fully portable scanner, battery powered with hand-held microwave imaging technology. Its revolutionary handheld camera can see through luggage, walls, clothing (including coats), packaging, suitcases, shoes, and opaque containers to provide video images of what is inside. Its small, lightweight and inexpensive design makes it a superior solution for imaging the interior of abandoned boxes, and the like for controlled substances, hazardous materials, explosive devices, and other security threats that current scanners can't detect. Walleye’s technology, currently at TRL6 stage, is patented (Patents number: 8593157 – 8451162).
We aim to introduce our technology to security screening and security detection system markets, that are expected to grow from € 3.40 billion (US$ 3.88 billion) in 2017 to € 4.63 billion (US$ 5.30 billion) by 2022. Walleye will pursue a B2B model targeting, mainly, airports.
Fields of science
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
SME-1 - SME instrument phase 1Coordinator
6300 ZUG
Switzerland
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.