Originally published by https://interestingengineering.com/ Scientists in Germany have developed AI-powered automated drones and robots that are capable of detecting radioactive waste in hazardous environments where human access is unsafe or impossible. The innovative project is carried out by researchers at the Fraunhofer Institute for Communication, Information Processing and Ergonomics (FKIE). The scientists are combining uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and uncrewed ground vehicles (UGW) with advanced sensor fusion, automation and probabilistic search algorithms. Their goal is to notably shorten the time required to find radioactive, chemical or biological hazards during emergencies. The technology demonstrator can localize radioactive sources to within a [...]

Originally published by https://hoodline.com/ A seemingly routine check of a Vallejo motel room turned into a full-on hazmat scare yesterday, after staff and police at the Vallejo Inn on Tennessee Street discovered an unknown substance that ended up testing positive for methamphetamine. The building was evacuated, nearby streets were temporarily shut down, and a five-gallon bucket in the room quickly became the focus of a specialized cleanup effort. No injuries were reported, and officials stressed that there was no ongoing threat to the public as crews worked through the afternoon to secure and remove the material.Vallejo police called in fire [...]

L3Harris Technologies has received an award to support the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marines with 34 large T7™ robots that will deliver enhanced capabilities for explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) missions.  L3Harris T7 robots help keep troops out of harm’s way by neutralizing explosive threats from a safe distance. The company designed the robotic systems for high-risk missions, providing mobility, manipulation and intuitive control.  “Recognized by both the Navy and Marines for outstanding dexterity and performance, L3Harris T7 robotic systems will provide them a significant advantage for their most challenging EOD missions,” said Dave Kornick, President, Intelligence and Cyber, Space and [...]

Fabentech, a French biopharmaceutical company specializing in medical countermeasures against biological threats, today announces that it has been granted Marketing Authorization for Ricimed®, a treatment for ricin poisoning. Ricimed®, an antidote against one of the most toxic natural substances in the world In addition to supportive care, and in severe situations requiring immediate administration, Ricimed® represents a new therapeutic option for the management of acute ricin intoxication. Ricin, among the most dangerous naturally occurring substances, can cause death within hours or days regardless of the route of exposure, making it a major biological threat for many countries. Having demonstrated its [...]

Originally publsihed by The Guardian Arizona’s supreme court building was evacuated Monday morning after multiple vials that tested positive for a homemade explosive substance were sent to the building, according to the state’s department of public safety (DPS). At about 8am local time on Monday, DPS responded to reports of a “suspicious package”. Later that morning multiple agencies, including the US bureau of alcohol firearms and tobacco responded. Around 10.30am, staff at the Arizona supreme court building were sent home and the building was evacuated after a package in the building’s mailroom tested positive for explosives, 12News, Phoenix’s NBC affiliate reported. [...]

Avon Technologies plc is pleased to confirm that Avon Protection, our respiratory and integrated protection business unit, has received a new European order for FM50 respirators and FM61EU filters via the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) contract vehicle. The order, worth approximately $20.6 million, will be delivered over FY2026 and FY2027.Avon Protection’s FM50 respirator and FM61EU filter, is designed to protect the wearer from CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear) threats in line with latest NATO requirements. Avon Protection was awarded the 10-year NSPA FM50 contract in 2020, enabling NATO nations and partners to purchase the FM50 respirator, MP-PAPR, [...]

Originally published in https://www.haaretz.com The defense establishment did not care about protecting vital facilities from missiles and rockets despite the increase in threats and critical reports published on the subject in recent years, said a new report released Tuesday by State Comptroller Matanyahu Englman. In his report, Englman wrote that the deficiencies he warned about in the past were not corrected even after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. The Defense Ministry, the IDF, and the National Security Council (NSC) did not map the vital facilities they needed to protect, and did not prepare work plans for their protection, even [...]