- Faced with the threat of an attack, Airbus invested a few years ago in a start-up to develop an explosives detector.
- While the coronavirus is plaguing the air sector, they decided to direct their research to detect Covid-19 using their device.
- A system made up of cells inspired by the olfactory senses of animals.
It looks like cameras that you can find today on buses in major cities around the world. But the technology embedded in this small dome in the shape of a bounced porthole may well revolutionize aviation security tomorrow.
Before long, he should be able to detect any passenger wanting to board with explosives. And tomorrow, in the same spirit, sniff a new threat: that of the coronavirus, and thus avoid being confined in the cabin of an airplane with a patient who could contaminate other travelers.
In any case, this is the hope of Airbus and the Californian start-up Koniku, in which the European aircraft manufacturer invested a few years ago with the objective of developing a technology to counter the risks of attack. At a time when the Covid-19 pandemic is undermining the entire aviation sector, this biotechnology-related solution could be a factor in restoring passenger confidence and ensuring airline and airport security.
Inspired by the olfactory senses of animals
“We are inspired by the olfactory senses of animals, for example dogs, which can detect certain molecules, in particular those composing explosives or drugs. The researchers have genetically modified and adapted these cells to reproduce their mode of detection of the molecules sought after, ”said Matthieu Duvelleroy, one of Airbus' spokespersons.
Beyond conventional electronic technology or a camera, this device therefore works thanks to encapsulated proteins which will react to the presence of such and such a molecule released by the passage of a person. And thus allow to raise the alarm.
While it has proven itself in a miniaturized version, and in less than ten seconds, it must be tested life-size, under the conditions of an airport, by the fall to "sniff" explosives.
And over the next few months, it will be reprogrammed so that its genetically modified receptors can detect the coronavirus, drawing inspiration from the ongoing training of certain dogs to identify Covid-19 patients. And tomorrow, any other new virus that would see the light of day. This system could be installed at the entrance of aircraft or upon boarding, within the terminal.
Health
Coronavirus: "Covid-19 seems to generate a specific odor that can be detected by specially trained dogs"
Economy
Coronavirus: Broken prices, smaller planes, redistributed routes… How will the airline sector be able to reinvent itself?
- Aeronautics
- Covid 19
- Airbus
- High-Tech
- Coronavirus
- Toulouse
- Airline company