The EU funded IntelliDog Trainer

Dogs, according to the EU, are still the best way to systematically detect explosives. They are mobile, agile and far more sensitive than any chemical detectors yet devised. However, while inexpensive to operate, training suitable dogs is time consuming and labour extensive, making it expensive.

As the need for bomb dogs grows the training process has to be brought up to speed. To achieve this TSE systems, in August 2018, begun research and development funded by the EU. In January 2019 the project was completed and the working prototype of the IntelliDog Trainer (IDT) produced. Due to the demanding requirements by LEA and military, the product will be developed further. 

The IDT consists of a metal box with seven holes on its upper surface. Under the holes is a carousel with containers, filled with different substances. As the containers randomly switch positions, the dog has to identify the right container, by sniffing and indicating the right hole. Success is rewarded, which, according to Project coordinator Dr. Harry Knot, leads the dogs to see the IDT as toy, making them eager to engage with and come back to the IDT. 

Using a mobile phone app trainer can set the number of correct holes, switching frequency and time to respond. This way trainers can also gradually increase the difficulty and reduce the quantities of active substance. However, the training system can accommodate any odours for which dogs require training, like cash or drugs. Hence, the applicability of the IDT expands beyond bomb dogs, which nevertheless remain its focus.  

Improving Productivity 

The IDT improves the training productivity of bomb dogs in two major ways:  

• Breeders can use the device to preselect suitable puppies, by this enabling a quicker selection process;
• The IDT eliminates the 1:1 trainer to dog ratio, enabling trainers to train several dogs.

Additionally, the IDT also aims to reduces the dependency of the dog on a single trainer or handler and de-emphasises language command. Through this, dogs trained in one country could become available to work in another or with multiple handlers. 

Hence, the IDT is a first step towards European standardisation and has the potential to significantly increase the amount of bomb dogs, by speeding up the training process. 

Notes: This Article is based on the TSE´s website and an EU update about the project. 

Author: Niklas Hamann 

Sources

European Commission (2019). The IntelliDog Trainer, a new high throughput training device to train high level security dogs.  In: Cordis Available at: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/217833/brief/en

TSE (2019). New Training system set to unleash a new generation of bomb dogs. Available at:  https://www.tse-systems.com/about/news/new-training-system-set-to-unleash-a-new-generation-of-bomb-dogs/

Keywords

bomb dog, dog, H2020, terrorism,