Smiths Detection launches enhanced early warning biological detector

SmartBio Sensor

Smiths Detection has launched the latest version of its portable bio-threat detector, the SmartBio Sensor. With increased sensitivity and enhanced software, the system detects the presence of airborne biological microbes and bio-toxins, providing active monitoring and classification to help protect against biological threats.

The battery-powered SmartBio Sensor is portable and ruggedized, enabling it to be used to proactively protect public venues in various applications including perimeter monitoring for both indoor and outdoor events as well as in a range of military environments.

Tim Picciotti, Vice President, Smiths Detection, said, “This latest version of the SmartBio Sensor extends the ability of both public and private sectors to guard against the evolving threats we face. We will continue to strive to ensure Smiths Detection is the supplier of choice for the solutions needed to mitigate potentially harmful incidents.”

The advanced system continuously samples the air, trapping bio-aerosol particles on a sensor surface. The onboard computer is then able to detect and classify the bio-materials, triggering an alarm if a potential threat is discovered. Bio-agents are retained for confirmatory analysis and archiving. Compared to the initial model, the SmartBio Sensor now features increased sensitivity and enhanced software capabilities to enable wider usage for the device.

Ken Klein, a product manager at Smiths Detection, said, “With improved airflow and battery operation, we increased the sensitivity and overall utility of the SmartBio Sensor for military, police and emergency responders.”

The latest SmartBio Sensor has also been successfully field tested with a major metropolitan police department in the U.S. with the aim of becoming part of its overall protection plan.