The variety of threats and hazards that we look to detect is broad, and the types of sensors required to detect those threats and hazards are complex and can span several emerging technology areas.
The Department of Homeland Security uses sensors to:
- Track and identify the movement of goods and people across borders and maritime environments;
- Monitor the environment for wildfires, floods, and other natural and manmade disasters; and
- Secure buildings, aircraft and other venues from malicious actors.
The Science & Technology Directorate’s research and development in advanced sensor technology strengthens the Department’s capabilities to address challenges in a continuously evolving and converging threat landscape.
S&T’s focus areas in advanced sensing include:
-
Signature Exploitation and Detection - We aim to understand how emerging sensor technologies and existing capabilities can be applied in new ways to detect, track, and identify objects, threats, hazards, physical, and cyber conditions.
-
Sensor Integration - As novel sensors become available for use, we seek to develop appropriate sensor systems architectures, integrate multiple sensor systems, and evaluate novel sensor effectiveness.
- Emerging Sensing Technologies - We collaborate with leading researchers and innovators in quantum sensing and nanotechnology to support initial transitions of early development into successful prototypes of novel tools for DHS missions and use cases.
Resources
- Technology to Reduce the Impacts of Wildfires
- Wildland Fire Sensors at the Urban Interface Fact Sheet
- Sensors and Platforms Technology Center
- S&T Technology Centers Division Research Agenda
- Low-Cost Flood Sensors Innovation for Dam Safety Monitoring
- Flood Sensor Technology
- Flood Apex Program: S&T, N.C. Partner to Test Flood Sensors, Build Resilience
- Maritime Domain Awareness Sensors and Research Activity Factsheet
News
- DHS S&T Tests Next Generation Flood and Wildfire Alerting Technology
- Stoking Wildfire Resilience in Oregon
- Feature Article: S&T Wildfire Sensor Initiative Heats Up
- Feature Article: NYC Subway Sensors Could Warn Early for Chem/Bio Threats
- News Release: S&T Selects Performers for Phase II Wildland Fire Sensor Research
Contact
TCD.Comms@hq.dhs.gov
Learn more about us and discover how your organization can partner with S&T to make the homeland more secure.