Agile robot-based rapid detection of hazardous chemical and biological agents

This Small Business Innovation Research Phase II project represents a leap forward in the protection of medical personnel on the battlefield by the development of an agile robot-based comprehensive sensor system for the remote evaluation of casualties for hazards such as chemical (CWAs and explosives) and biological threat agents. The proposed system contains a novel sensor/preconcentrator/gas chromatography system for detection of chemical threat agents, a self-contained microelectrochemical immunoassay sensor array for detection of biological threat agents and a rugged, field-tested robotic platform for deployment. Analytes will be concentrated and then desorbed onto a short gas chromatography column for separation followed by detection with a proprietary sensor array. Biological agents will be collected either via an air sampling system or a physical wipe followed by automated detection in a microelectrochemical array. To improve marketability of both sensing platforms, a modular design will be implemented, allowing for the development of individual dual-use products. Both systems will be integrated onto a currently fielded robotic platform. The final system will utilize a pattern recognition algorithm to minimize false readings and allow rapid identification of threat agents. This information will be transmitted to and displayed on the screen of the UGV controller.