CSIRO has announced its air cargo scanning technology team has been awarded the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Eureka Prize for enhancing security and border protection.
The award recognises outstanding science and/or technology with the potential to develop innovative solutions for Australia’s defence and/or national security.
Dr Nick Cutmore, who leads the air cargo scanning technology team, said most air cargo is screened using conventional x-ray scanners.
Cutmore added the CSIRO’s world-first technology combines neutrons and x-rays to detect and predict the composition as well as the shape and density of an object.
He said combining x-ray and neutron beams generates a composite image of material inside the cargo container, which helps operators more readily identify suspicious materials, such as explosives, drugs and other contraband.
CSIRO’s air cargo scanning technology was trialled successfully at Brisbane airport and is now being commercialised in conjunction with Chinese security inspection specialist.
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