AT the recently concluded Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (Natsec) 2024 exhibitions, cutting-edge technologies took centre stage with local and foreign firms; showcasing innovative solutions for border security enhancement.
From advanced surveillance systems to unmanned aerial systems (UASs), a diverse range of technologies was on display, offering unprecedented capabilities to detect, deter and respond to security-related matters at the nation's borders.
LOCAL INNOVATION
Among the technologies displayed was the Perepheriq spherical perimeter protection system developed by local defence firm, Mindmatics.
Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the system is developed for facility protection and can be effectively used to guard the perimeter of sterile areas in prisons, air and sea ports, critical power and energy infrastructure, private property, and most importantly, border control.
Mindmatics said air and ground threats were detected using active radar technology long before they cross the protected perimeter.
"The new concept of security system provides early warning and detection without the need for a physical guard tower as the threats are detected up to the virtual perimeter line."
It added that high protection reliability and integrity from the surveillance system were achieved through the use of AI controllers with neural network algorithms, which are able to distinguish between humans, ground vehicles and boats.
"Using AI, the controller combines all the components of the Peripheriq system into one system that guarantees optical confirmation of detected threats based on near-instant video and infrared image analysis by neural networks algorithms."
Essentially speaking, the Peripheriq system's AI can optically identify and detect its intended targets using image analysis algorithms.
Another local defence company, Nizra Industries, showcased the AR 5 — a medium altitude, medium endurance unmanned UAS capable of performing missions such as search and rescue, maritime patrol and maritime surveillance.
Its chief executive officer Nik Iruwan Nik Izani said the AR 5's additional capabilities include fisheries inspection, pollution monitoring and communications relay.
He added that the AR5 UAS, equipped with optical and infrared cameras, a maritime radar, an automatic identification system (AIS) receiver, and an emergency position-indicating radio beacon antenna could assist border security authorities in their surveillance operations.
"The AR 5, powered by artificial intelligence can rely on its on board sensor suites to detect vessels or humans on water.
"It also can deliver real-time high precision video, imagery and sensor data back to its command centre with its high speed beyond line-of-sight satellite communications."
He added that the AR 5 has seen action with authorities in Europe.
FOREIGN TECH
Over on the international side, Czech Republic-based defence firm Prolab Engineering showcased its Inquisithor UAS and Hector unmanned ground vehicle (UGV).
Its executive officer Professor David Herak said the Inquisithor UAS could carry a whole host of payloads, from munitions, medical kits and hazardous material detection devices.
"It can also carry imaging devices such as infrared cameras and hyperspectral cameras — the latter being a camera that can scan an object and determine what materials make up that object.
"While the Hector UGV is a multipurpose intelligent crawler robot, able to perform logistical tasks, agriculture and even firefighting."
Herak added that Hector could be an essential addition to any government authorities as the UGV is autonomous, taking advantage of AI technologies.
"It comes equipped with 360° light detection and ranging (Lidar) sensors to skillfully avoid obstacles and an artificial intelligence guidance system which can track human bodies as means of autonomous operation."
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