GE’s Global Research Team has invented a stamp sized Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) sensor to help U.S. fight against terrorism
Terrorism is a growing menace and spreading worldwide at breakneck speed and U.S. is no exception. To combat the terrorist and their growing menace, GE’s Global Research team in collaboration with Technical Support Working Group (TSWG), which is an inter-agency acting against terrorism along with the backing of KemSENSE a subsidiary of Vener8 Technologies has together and invented worlds and GE’s smallest radio frequency identification (RFID) sensor.  This batteryless postage stamp sized RFID explosives detector will help U.S. Army and counterinsurgency units in their efforts to weed out terrorism by timely detection and deactivation of explosives.
The mastermind of this invention is Radislav Potyrailo, who is the main scientist handling this project at GE.
In comparison to the traditional detectors used at the airports, seaports or the rail centres this detector is unique and one of its kind. Generally a metal detector which is operated manually, the one you may have seen at most of the ports. Some permanent detectors are also used however these are very huge in their size. All the traditional detectors need either too much of space or need manual assistance and constant maintenance. GE’s Global Research and their collaborative partners have invented this small detector which seems to be an answer to most of the cargo detectors at various ports.
Various features of this GE’s RFID sensor:
- Small size hence it can be displayed at any place without any problem.
- This wireless sensor does not need any charging, so eventually it is a maintenance free sensor.
- It works on the principle of the electro magnetic frequency detection of various  chemical agents and oxidisers that are generally found in the explosives used by terrorists. Once the sensor detects this chemical it will send signal to a device which is again small and of a size of a cell phone. Hence it has reduced the manpower and occurrence of a lot more manual error.
- Detection of the explosives even in very low concentrations and amidst a lot of hindrances will not deter the efficacy of this sensor proving it to be highly efficient.
- The sensor could even remain dormant for a long period and still if it comes in contact with the explosive it will be able to produce signal to its signal receiving device.
- All the signals could be transmitted from this signal receiving device to a single centralised station hence the chaos could be completed cut out.
- GE’s Global Research team expects that this sensor would be available at much lower costs; as the production cost ranges between 5 to 50 cents per sensor.
- The RFID sensors also can be used as a detector of gas leakages, detect the bacterial and mold growth in residential and industrial areas. Also it can used in the health care industry.
As per the CEO of KemSENSE, Anton Simunovic “GE has created a high sensitivity, power free, wireless sensor whose real time measurement of chemical and biological properties has huge upside for the healthcare, natural resource, agriculture and consumer sectors”.
As of now, the major priority is to use this sensor against terrorism, which, with all its features it seems to be the best answer to various commercial sectors as mentioned by Anton Simunovic. Truly a great invention by GE and its collaborators.
Resource : GE Global Research
