An Electronic Bomb Component Diagnostic Tool for Robotic Platforms

U.S. security is increasingly concerned with the threat posed by small non-governmental groups which are capable of and dedicated to inflicting harm on U.S. citizens, their property and their way of life. The weapon of choice for such groups is the Improvised Explosive Device (IED), a threat which has outpaced virtually all other threats in recent years. IEDs have been used on average more than 20 times per day throughout the world in the last decade. The domestic threat posed by these devices is very real; according to David Heyman, the Assistant Secretary of Policy at DHS, “if terrorists initiated an IED campaign in America today, it would paralyze us.” The Congressional Domestic Improvised Explosive Devices Subcommittee has identified ten critical Research Development Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) priorities which must be achieved to counter this very real threat. Nokomis proposes to address two of these priorities – IED diagnostics and Vehicle Borne IED detection – through the integration of a Department of Defense funded unintended emission sensor onto a robotic platform for use by U.S. Bomb Squads. The resulting system will detect and provide detailed information on IED related electronic components within suspected packages and vehicles. This system will further provide critical diagnostic information to facilitate a safe stand-off assessment of routine unattended packages of which more than 2300 have been engaged since 2004. The proposed effort provides the required development to transition the Advanced Electromagnetic Location of Electronic Devices (AELED) system from an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to a Bomb Disposal Robot platform for domestic application. This transition necessitates the following Phase I work: formation of domestic device signatures through laboratory characterization; development of near-field proximity detection to localize devices at close range; and test and evaluation activities on a robotic platform to validate operation. Nokomis further intends to qualify this sensor system at the conclusion of the Phase I effort in conjunction with DHS through an operational assessment of the technology. Emphasis throughout the effort will be placed on compatibility with existing robot platforms used by bomb squads and versatility in implementation such that this promising technology can be easily proliferated to support U.S. bomb squad operations.