Human Detector for Cargo Shipping Containers

Detection of human stowaways in cargo containers is an area of grave concern, and the proposed project will develop a sensor module for the detection of humans hidden within cargo shipping containers. Humans hiding in shipping containers are a threat to homeland security and detectors to reliably identify the presence of individual(s) will be extremely valuable. The proposed devices will rely upon chemical sensors for the detection of humans via the ammonia given off from urine, for which improved ammonia sensors are required. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of improved ammonia sensors, including both laboratory and independent evaluations of the sensors in a cargo container. A subsequent Phase II effort will include design, development, fabrication, and testing of a prototype system. This system will demonstrate the capability of the device to perform as proposed in a container with both benign and challenging cargo. It will be highly reliable and affordable with sensors and electronics designed for ultra low power operation. The sensor module developed for the system will consider the harsh operating environment of intermodal shipping containers and will be able to operate satisfactorily and survive in the expected range of environmental conditions.