Rugged Automated Training System

It is accepted that certain animals have the olfactory and learning ability to be trained in the detection of explosives and other compounds. The possibility of using rats and other small mammals to detect landmines, and potentially IED's is very real. In order to perform the detection task efficiently and effectively, these animals need to be trained, and certified as reliable and accurate. Currently, the training of animals is generally expensive and slow, and requires significant human effort and skill. The objective of this Proposal is to effectively train and evaluate small animals with an automated training system that is cost effective, rugged, reliable, easy to use, maintain and repair. With such a system, large numbers of animals including rodents, could be trained for the task of detecting, and marking landmine contamination, for later removal. Our proposal outlines three possible small innovative animal training system designs, all based on the Operant Conditioning regime. We also propose two innovative solutions for the having the animal communicate a positive detection to its handler. In some instances the bush and grass is too tick for the handler to see the animal. Phase 1 will test validate the most suitable practical and effective designs.