Bristol-based tech arm of aerospace giant Leonardo unveils anti-human trafficking innovation – Business Live

Posted on March 21, 2021 by Design in Design Innovation | 0 Comments

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A cyber business in Bristol has unveiled new technology that could be used to deter human traffickers and save lives.

The tech arm of aerospace giant Leonardo has revealed details of its innovation which generates an electromagnetic field that could be used to detect people hiding in transport vehicles or containers.

During a security conference dedicated to the discussion of how border forces could utilise new technology, a team representing Leonardo proposed x-ray-like sensors at ports which can penetrate steel and identify an individual’s “electromagnetic signature”, that is as unique to them as their fingerprint.

The company told the audience of experts across government, industry and academia that the technology was able to identify the presence of a human, even when hiding amongst animals, and was not harmful to either.

Team leader Nigel Lidster added that the non-invasive nature of the technology, which is already used at four borders in Europe, would ensure the safety of people detected by it and those using it.

This would also mean that border forces would not be able to determine the sex, age or health conditions of any concealed people being transported into the country.

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Leonardo hopes that the technology can have a positive impact on law enforcement surrounding human trafficking, and act as a deterrent to organised crime groups trading people for the purposes of forced labour and sexual exploitation.

Mr Lister, Leonardo’s homeland security sales manager, said: “We think this technology could help save more lives, as vulnerable people looking for a better life are being led into very dangerous conditions.

“We want to offer non-invasive technology that can prevent future tragedies from unfolding.”

Leonardo’s cyber division is based at Bristol Business Park and employs more than 150 people. The firm also has a site in Yeovil, Somerset, that employs more than 3,000 staff.

The Italian-owned multinational engineering firm recently delivered a tenth search-and-rescue helicopter to the Norwegian Ministry of Justice and Public Security.