WOBURN, Mass., Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. Homeland Security Department has contracted Scientific Systems Co. Inc. to develop a next-generation sensor to support border security efforts.
U.S. company SSCI was awarded the Small Business Investment Research contract to develop a sensor technology capable of distinguishing the difference between human and animal movement.
SSCI will work with subcontractor Crane Wireless Solutions on an unattended ground sensor technology that can support agents at the Homeland Security Department's Customs and Border Protection conduct operations in challenging environments.
"SSCI's robust technology platform is an excellent foundation for a system that will reduce false alarms generated by current-generation unmanned ground sensor systems, which often fail to differentiate between animals foraging for food and human beings crossing the border," Raman Mehra, SSCI chief executive officer, said in a statement.
"A reduction in the false alarm rate will dramatically reduce the workload of Customs and Border Patrol agents, who must personally investigate alarms."
