Year
2004
Abstract
With continued terrorist activities worldwide and the concern that explosive devices need to be detected in a variety of configurations while protecting individuals, there is a need to remotely detect potential explosive devices. Current handheld trace explosives detection sensors require the operator to stand within a few inches of a potential explosive device to ensure an adequate sample is collected. Because of the low vapor pressure of some explosives and the low vapor concentrations in airborne plumes emanating from a bulk explosive source, the sample collection method is critical when using an ion mobility spectrometer-based explosive detection sensor. The RoboHound, a prototype remote trace explosive detection system, is under development at Sandia National Laboratories to address this issue. The RoboHound was designed for primary use in emergency response situations and could also be used for some checkpoint screening applications. The prototype uses a wheeled robotic platform with a manipulator arm and custom software for robotic controls; a chemical sample collector and preconcentrator; and a commercial explosives detector. The integrated system allows an operator to maneuver the system into position while remaining up to 100 feet away from a suspect vehicle, package, or other object, and take a sample for analysis.