Security imaging company, RaySecur, has announced that it has been awarded a Phase II grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) for $1 million, to conduct research and development (R&D) on its 4D-AI threat detection software platform for MailSecur scanners.
The NSF grant is awarded to a select number of companies to support the research and development of deep technologies with the potential to transform their respective industries.
RaySecur will use these funds to further develop and expand its AI threat detection software for T-ray image processing in the MailSecur scanner, a desktop scanner that intercepts and detects mail and package threats with 4D dynamic real-time imaging.
The AI platform ingests full-motion concealed T-ray mail imaging data combined with contextual information, like barcode tracking and optical character recognition, helping users to better understand an item’s potential risk and enhance threat detection.
Alex Sappok, Ph.D., CEO at RaySecur, said: “Since MailSecur users are often non-security experts, this technology will help them to better identify real threats and hoaxes – better protecting their peers and the business from potentially million-dollar shutdowns – while also providing more situational context to emergency responders on the scene.”
According to RaySecur, MailSecur is the first of its kind to receive Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designation as a Qualified Anti-Terrorism Technology (QATT) under the DHS Safety Act.
Unlike x-rays, which emit harmful radiation and require safety inspections and trained operators, MailSecur uses T-rays, or mmWaves. Each scanner is connected to a RaySecur private wireless network with direct remote access to trained military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) professionals that assist MailSecur users as they work to resolve a threat.
Andrea Belz, Division Director of the Division of Industrial Innovation and Partnerships at NSF concluded: “NSF is proud to support the technology of the future by thinking beyond incremental developments and funding the most creative, impactful ideas across all markets and areas of science and engineering.
“With the support of our research funds, any deep technology start-up or small business can guide basic science into meaningful solutions that address tremendous needs.”
