SICHER
Titel: Rapid identification and checking procedure for detecting smuggling, prohibited substances and toxic gases
(2026-2027)
Project description: The fight against illegal human and drug trafficking is extremely challenging, as criminal networks constantly develop new smuggling routes and methods to evade border control measures. Therefore, rapid, reliable, and mobile on-site detection technology is essential to detect synthetic drugs and to specifically track illegal transports, drug labs, and hidden individuals. Fast controls are equally important for stationary checkpoints with high vehicle volumes.
For a detector to be practical, it must operate reliably under real-world conditions and be capable of identifying illegally transported substances and individuals, even through sealed containers. This challenge will be addressed in the bilateral KIRAS project SICHER through the development of a compact Thermodesorption-High-Kinetics-Energy-Ion Mobility Spectrometer (TD-HiKE-IMS) with high analytical performance for mobile use.
For seamless inspections without delays, measurement speed and reliability are crucial. Efficiency is increased through optimized sampling: gas analysis can be performed directly from within the container through the seal without damaging it. This reduces the time for administration enormously and keeps the measurement time under 60 seconds.
The planned TD-HiKE-IMS proof of concept system enables highly sensitive and reliable detection through adsorptive sample enrichment with subsequent thermodesorption and new, highly selective analysis technology. Thanks to innovative system and method development, both volatile and semi-volatile substances – from human emissions to drugs, fumigants or toxic gases – can be captured within a minute, and the results displayed on a screen or mobile device.
The research institutions and companies involved in the project (Leibniz University Hannover, Airsense GmbH, Ackision GmbH, University of Innsbruck, Solgenium GmbH) bring complementary expertise in gas analytics, sensor design, and computer science, enabling an innovative and targeted approach to solutions.
The proof of concept system will be tested for application-specific volatile and semi-volatile substances in complex mixtures. Throughout the project, stakeholder input is considered to expand the analysis to additional relevant compounds, including toxic industrial chemicals, drug precursors, narcotics, fermentation gases, and respiratory gases, across a range of concentrations. Following these tests, the proof of concept system will undergo in quasi-experimental setting to elucidate effect of potential confounding compounds, such as air pollutants and fragrances in various test scenarios (e.g., trucks and containers with different cargo, with and without persons) under different operational conditions. The Johanniter Austria Ausbildung und Forschung GmbH will be actively involved in the organisation of the measurements in the field and bring social and humanities perspectives into the project.
End users, such as the Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI) and the Ministry of Finance (BMF), as well as the Federal Police, State Criminal Offices, and Customs in Germany, will continuously accompany the project to evaluate its effectiveness under real-world conditions.
Project partners:
Johanniter Österreich Ausbildung und Forschung gemeinnützige GmbH
Austrian Ministry of the Interior (BMI)
Ministry of Finance (BMF)
SOLGENIUM GmbH
Contact: Assistenz-Prof. Dr.Ruzsanyi (Universität Innsbruck)