Micro-X has carried out its first US demonstrations of its Argus X-ray Camera at a bomb tech expo in Florida.

The International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators (IABTI), International In-Service Training & Exposition is a major industry event attended by leading bomb disposal experts from military, law enforcement and first responder organisations globally.  The event attracts professionals from across the explosives community and includes anti-terrorism, bomb/explosives disposal and post-blast investigators.

The IABTI is represented by some of the world’s foremost explosives subject matter experts and its members include the FBI, US Army, US Navy and the US Airforce.  Micro-X’s Argus sales team is led by two former military bomb disposal technicians who are members of the IABTI.

‘Live fire’ demonstrations to bomb disposal experts

Across the first two days of the IABTI In-Service Training & Expo, Micro-X exhibited a pre-production Argus unit to a range of potential customers.  The unit recently completed the first field tests in Australia, through a range of tests where images were transmitted more than 1,500 metres line of sight from the target.

The Micro-X Argus team has now carried out “live fire” demonstrations at IABTI of Argus’ unique capability to provide rapid threat assessment through remotely operated high-definition backscatter stand-off imaging. The live fire demonstrations included stand-off imaging of a simulated improvised explosive device.

Argus is the only portable backscatter system available to bomb technicians that is capable of remote operation and stand-off imaging. Across the Expo and the live fire demonstrations, the Micro-X team received very positive feedback on capabilities, imaging quality, and improved safety for military and police bomb technicians. Continued engagement with industry experts allows Micro-X to build its customer pipeline in the US through proof of the unit’s capability and demonstrated use.

Micro-X's Sean Slappy in one of the Argus demonstrations

Micro-X’s Sean Slappy shows stand off images captured in one of the Argus demonstrations

 

From news service Stockhead, by Nadine McGrath

Adelaide-based cold cathode X-ray machine manufacturer Micro-X (ASX:MX1) is changing the way bombs are detected with its Argus IED X-ray camera pre-production unit successfully completing field testing for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

First a quick lesson on the highly risky practice of bomb detection and disposal (we’ve all seen the movies).   Up until now the bomb disposal technician must approach the suspect device or package to get a detector plate behind it to x-ray the contents without moving the device itself.

MX1’s Argus X-ray camera enables the technicians to capture high-resolution images using backscatter, or radiation reflected from the suspected device, which means there’s no longer a need for detector plates.

 

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Micro-X has successfully completed the first round of field testing of the Argus X-ray Camera that will transform high-risk search and stand-off imaging capability for improvised explosive device (IED) detection and diagnosis.

The testing in South Australia occurred over several days in May, involving backscatter x-ray to capture images of IED training aids in common situations experienced by military and law enforcement Bomb Technicians.

During field testing, Argus captured useful, high-definition backscatter images of an IED training aid through a car door.  Argus was also able to capture backscatter images of a shallow-buried anti-personnel mine, demonstrating its potential to support military missions such as large area clearance and buried threat detection.  Argus’ robust communications system enabled images to be viewed more than 1500 metres from the target.









Argus is the only portable backscatter system available to bomb technicians that is capable of remote operation and stand-off imaging.

The field tests achieved the planned objectives and demonstrated Argus’ ability to produce high-definition backscatter images to considerably increase the rapid threat assessment capability, and safety, of military and police bomb technicians.

Internationally recognised revolutionary backscatter

Argus is a revolutionary approach to using backscatter x-ray for stand-off detection and diagnosis of IEDs, conventional, and improvised threats. The disruptive technology uses Micro-X’s patented camera imaging technology.

Argus x-ray camera wins iF DESIGN AWARD 2023Argus is uniquely able to capture backscatter x-ray images while remaining stationary and can be deployed by a robot. There is no requirement to place a separate imaging panel, reducing ‘time over target’ and increasing operator safety in real-world scenarios. Because of Micro-X’s patented technology, Argus produces substantially higher resolution images than legacy backscatter devices, with less image noise, and by remaining stationary there is none of the blurring associated with movement during image capture.

Argus has been internationally recognised with an iF Design Award. Following Micro-X’s ethos of customer-led design, the creation of Argus has involved experienced explosive ordnance disposal veterans and extensive consultation with law enforcement and defence personnel to ensure it enhances current operator workflow.

Micro-X is currently building additional pre-production units for expanded customer trials.

Micro-X’s Chief Executive Officer, Kingsley Hall, commented:

“This field testing demonstrates two significant capabilities of Argus – the ability to remotely capture high-definition backscatter images through a solid barrier, together with the ability to capture a high-definition image of a shallow-buried ordnance.  We are extremely excited by the way that Argus performed in these realistic scenarios.

Looking ahead, we are confident that Argus can not only transform how the bomb tech community images suspect packages and explosives, but that there is an even wider application to the military, especially clearing large areas of buried explosive hazards such as land mines.  We look forward to putting our product in the hands of customers.”