Explosives trace detection mkt set to go through major shifts in coming years: Vehant Tech CEO

The global industry of explosives trace detectors (ETDs) is around Rs 10,000 crore, with India having just 2-3 per cent of the global market share. The rise in terrorist activities across our country and the increasing need for adopting explosive trace detectors in security sectors have bolstered the explosives detectors market growth. The global player's cost of developing and maintaining ETD hinders market penetration to new markets like hotels, IT, commercial complexes, data centres, cargo warehouses etc. Kapil Bardeja, CEO & Co founder of Noida-based Vehant Technologies in an exclusive interview with Bizz Buzz elaborates on how NanoSniffer, a 100 per cent made-in-India affordable ETD device will not just reduce our dependency on foreign expensive devices but also give access of this technology to unpenetrated market

What is the current size of the Explosive trace detector industry?

The global industry of explosives trace detectors is around Rs 10,000 crore, with India having 2-3 per cent of the global market share. The rise in terrorist activities across our country and the increasing need for adopting explosive trace detectors in security sectors have bolstered the market growth. The global player's cost of developing and maintaining ETD hinders market penetration to new markets like hotels, IT, commercial complexes, data centres, cargo warehouses etc., but NanoSniffer, a 100 per cent made-in-India product is a affordable ETD device that will not just reduce our dependency on foreign expensive devices but also give access of this technology to unpenetrated market . NanoSniffer will also be marketed internationally and will thus help in the growth of Indian explosives trace detector industry.

What are future outlook of explosive trace detection market?

Explosives trace detection systems and detectors (ETD) are a key modality in homeland security, military and public safety. Uses of ETD include air, sea and land transportation security, force protection, law enforcement, CIP and the private sector security. Terror groups attack across Europe, Middle East and Africa drove governments to overhaul their counter terror explosives screening infrastructure and funding. Increasing security screening rules and regulations from governments is expected to drive the growth of the market. The rising procurement of ETD systems from law enforcement and homeland agencies have propelled the market. However, declining defense expenditure from few countries has hampered the growth of the market. Lower ETD procurement contract and reduced defence budget due to the Covid-19 pandemic affected the market growth.

What are the current trends in explosive trace detection industry?

The global explosives trace detection market and technologies are forecast to go through major shifts. New and maturing technologies, such as artificial intelligence, big data and data analytics, machine learning based automated interpretation and smart sensors, will create new market segments and fresh business opportunities.

What is Nanosniffer?

NanoSniffer is an advanced and low-cost explosives trace detector (ETD) that efficiently exploits the physical nature of the explosives in their detection. It is the world's first microsensor-based explosive trace detector that can detect dangerous explosives like Nitroglycerine, Ammonium Nitrate, and RDX in less than 10 seconds. NanoSniffer is a 100 per cent indigenous product that identifies and classifies explosives into different classes such as military, conventional and homemade. It accurately detects all classes of the military, conventional and homemade explosives including RDX, HMX, TNT, TATP, Nitroglycerin, Ammonium Nitrate, and plastic explosives. NanoSniffer has successfully passed Pune-based DRDO's High Energy Materials Research Laboratory's (HEMRL) testing and has also been tested by the country's elite counter-terror force National Security Guard (NSG).

How much time did it take to build?

Developing the core MEMS technology of this explosives trace detector (ETD) has taken about years of efforts started by faculty and researchers of IIT Bombay. The initial research of the product was done in IIT-Bombay. After which NanoSniff, an IIT Bombay incubated company worked on developing the MEMS microheater sensor for about three years. It took two more years to build the device and another two years to test, validate and ruggedize before the NanoSniffer came into market for commercial sales.

How does this machine works?

All of our actions leave a trace behind, which is then screened by the security personals. The security has to concentrate on the sampling areas that are likely to be touched by hand. Post sampling the swipe is inserted into the system where the micro-heater subjects the particles into rapid heating. In case of explosives this triggers exothermic reactions which are picked up by the integrated temperature sensor of the microheater thereby landing each compound in its thermal signature. The algorithms use these signatures to distinguish between explosives and non-explosives. Further analysis of the algorithms helps in categorization into the appropriate class of explosives. The sensitivity capability was validated by the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) under DRDO in Pune.

What is the current manufacturing capacity and plans?

Till now, most existing explosive detector devices were imported. This is the first time that an Indian company developed a MEMS based affordable ETD. While NanoSniffer will manufacture the sensor in-house, the electronic part of the device will be manufactured by an electronics manufacturer that we have roped in. Initially, the manufacturing capacity will be about 50 units per month. The device is also undergoing a security testing process for UK and we hope soon Nanosniffer will be approved in international markets of UK and Europe , followed by the Americas.

Who are the customers for Nanosniffer?

We are looking at airports, train stations, metro stations, high-security government installations, private companies, hotels, places of worship or commercial complexes as our customers. These are places with a large asset base of humans or capital. We have started demonstrations of the product to potential customers as well. We also had initial success within the first month with sales and deployment of NanoSniffer at an Airport cargo complex and a renowned MNC data centre.

Is the product 100 per cent made in India?

Yes, our device is 100 per cent made in India, including sensors that are built in the semiconductor fabs in India. The core technology of NanoSniffer is protected by patents in the US and Europe. The core technology, making of sensor, assembling and software development for the NanoSniffer is being done in India with our partners.

What are the features of Nanosniffer?

NanoSniffer is an advanced and low-cost explosive trace detector which efficiently exploits the physical nature of the explosives in their detection. It is the world's first microsensor based explosive trace detector. It has rapid clear-down (Purge) time. It takes only less than 10 seconds to detect explosives. It can detect 'nanogram' quantities of explosive traces. It has video and auto alerts system with sunlight-readable color display. It does not respond to the odour of non-explosive like medicines and perfumes. It has very low operational cost as compared to other foreign OEM's. It resists contamination from weather, humidity, dirt and dust. Its operation is not affected by Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) of other electronic/electrical devices.