According to RedWave Technology chief executive Jon Frattaroli, the FTIR-based chemical threat identifier can detect “thousands” of chemical substances.

“We have seen incredible demand in the US for our ThreatID chemical identifier as it is the only analyser that is capable of identifying thousands of gas, powder, and liquid threats all in one device,” Frattaroli said.

“Its ability to identify 5,500 gases and vapours and over 22,000 powders and liquids represents a leap forward in protecting our first responders from chemicals, narcotics, and explosives.”

The agreement between EPE and RedWave Technologies is part of RedWave’s international expansion.

David Byrne, specialist CBRNe capability manager at EPE, welcomed the opportunity to support Australia’s first responder community with the new technology.

“EPE is confident that the ThreatID will provide a much-needed capability enhancement in the field-based identification of gas compounds for our first responder community in Australia and New Zealand,” Byrne said.

VIEW ALL

The announcement follows EPE's recent expansion, having partnered with Australia’s national science agency, the CSIRO, to open Australia’s first standardised robotics testing facility in Queensland.

EPE explained that the facility, dubbed MILTECS (Military Test, Evaluation, Certification and Systems Assurance), was built following industry need for robotics testing grounds and procedures. The facility is expected to cater for defence, law enforcement, agriculture, manufacturing and mining.

[Related: Defence Minister tours EPE headquarters]