Year
2003
Abstract
The Initiatives for Proliferation Prevention (IPP) program was begun 1994 to stabilize personnel and resources in the Newly Independent States of the former Soviet Union countries that represent a proliferation risk; in particular, those involved in the production and design of weapons of mass destruction (WMD). The objective of IPP is to identify and develop non-military applications derived from defense technologies, and to create jobs for weapons scientists and engineers in the high-technology commercial marketplace. The goal of this IPP project is to develop a capability in Russia to market, develop, and manufacture components and systems of a wireless asset tracking and real-time inventorying system. This system, called Class-Based Asset Tracking (CBAT), is based upon a self-forming, low-cost, low-power, highly secure wireless network utilizing lowpower radios and radio-frequency identification (RFID) tags. CBAT performs the basic function of tracking an item to which an RFID tag has been attached. CBAT provides to each tracked asset a unique and variable identity that then selectively and individually communicates with the system utilizing standard low-power radios. The network makes necessary changes to the appropriate software within the system that permits power savings and provides communication instructions. The system can then be queried by existing Internet-enabled workstations, whether they are secure or open networks. The system can dynamically and automatically determine the necessary configuration to optimize communications based on the system parameters mandated by the system manager. The project is redirecting personnel formerly involved in the design and manufacture of components for nuclear weapons to develop, manufacture, and test equipment to improve the tracking and inventorying of assets owned by industry and government both in the United States and in the NIS. The equipment developed and manufactured has a substantial worldwide commercial potential. The Russian partners will develop CBAT technology capable of being marketed throughout NIS. Cost reductions resulting from successful design and manufacturing capabilities will improve market opportunities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. In addition, this project can benefit the U.S. DOE by establishing a technology that may be used in secure real-time accounting of nuclearrelated assets.