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Quadridox to collaborate with Synthetik as part of DHS SBIR Program to support machine learning development

 

Durham NC, April 1, 2021

 

With a growing need to improve the security, efficiency and accuracy of passenger and baggage screening, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program is working with small businesses to advance explosive detection equipment.  Quadridox Inc. is proud to support Synthetik Applied Technologies on this exciting 24-month Phase II SBIR program.

 

The program is focused on developing synthetic training data that will enhance machine learning object detection algorithms to improve detection and reduce false alarms. For machine learning algorithms to reach their peak performance, they must be trained on a very large amount of data, and collecting and preparing this data is typically an expensive and time-consuming process. Synthetic data generation creates the capability to generate complete, annotated datasets in a matter of minutes without handling dangerous materials or initiating human subjects’ protocols. This technology would streamline the security screening process, creating an improved passenger experience for the traveling public.  While this effort started prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become even more relevant as social distancing and other protective measures are put into place in order to minimize the exposure and contact between TSA officers and passengers.

 

“As threats to our nation’s airports continue to evolve, we are committed to investing in technologies that will improve the security posture of aviation checkpoints, while minimizing the inconvenience to passengers,” said William N. Bryan, DHS Senior Official Performing the Duties of the Under Secretary for Science and Technology. “We look forward to seeing the technology developed through the SBIR Program that supports our vision for a passenger screening process that is reliable, less invasive, and efficient.”

 

Quadridox Inc. assisted informally in Phase I of the program by using QSim, Quadridox’s state of the art X-ray simulation tool, to generate synthetic data from Synthetik’s virtual luggage models.  In Phase II of the program, Quadridox will work with Synthetik to further integrate QSim into the overall synthetic data pipeline and to assist in validation of the data.  “The focus of Quadridox (www.quadridox.com) is to build the world’s most advanced and comprehensive X-ray simulation and synthetic data tool.  The application of QSim to algorithm development and optimization in the security domain is particularly exciting to us, and we are thrilled by the opportunity to work with Synthetik,” said Dr. Joel Greenberg, President and CEO of Quadridox.

 

For more information on the DHS SBIR Program, visit: https://sbir2.st.dhs.gov or contact STSBIR.Program@hq.dhs.gov