Robohound™ remote explosives detection

With continued terrorist activities worldwide and the concern that explosive devices need to be detected in a variety of configurations while protecting individuals, there is a need to remotely detect potential explosive devices. Current handheld trace explosives detection sensors require the operator to stand within a few inches of a potential explosive device to ensure an adequate sample is collected. Because of the low vapor pressure of some explosives and the low vapor concentrations in airborne plumes emanating from a bulk explosive source, the sample collection method is critical when using an ion mobility spectrometer-based explosive detection sensor. The RoboHound™, a prototype remote trace explosive detection system, is under development at Sandia National Laboratories to address this issue. The RoboHound™ was designed for primary use in emergency response situations and could also be used for some checkpoint screening applications. The prototype uses a wheeled robotic platform with a manipulator arm and custom software for robotic controls; a chemical sample collector and preconcentrator; and a commercial explosives detector. The integrated system allows an operator to maneuver the system into position while remaining up to 100 feet away from a suspect vehicle, package, or other object, and take a sample for analysis.