SenseNet is a fast, low-cost, and reliable integrated sensor system developed by ENSCO, Inc. that can detect biological threats in real time within buildings.
ENSCO, Inc. has been awarded a $2.9 million, 18-month contract from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) to continue SenseNet’s development.
“Biological and environmental health hazards can pose a high threat to our nation. S&T is working to develop an innovative solution to this evolving problem using sensors that not only quickly and accurately detect possible hazards, but also distinguish between naturally occurring events and those that may be threats. SenseNet is a key example of how S&T is creating new approaches to help protect American citizens and infrastructure,” William N. Bryan, senior official performing the duties of the under secretary for Science and Technology, says.
Before the contract, ENSCO, Inc. already had a working prototype that could detect bio-hazards in varying building configurations. With this new funding, researchers will now integrate different sensor types that process data in the cloud to improve the detection performance.
The award will also contribute to further tests of a “tiered aerosol detection system that combines low-cost and rapid dedicated environmental monitoring sensors with newly emerging commercial sensors being used by citizens and facility owners for air quality, pollution tracking, and building efficiency purposes,” according to DHS S&T.
