Bio Explorers systems are based on combining the hyper- sensitive olfactory capability of rodents with the care-free reliability of a hi-tech machine system. Many millions of years of evolution made the olfactory system of rodents incredibly sensitive, quick and specific as this is their main sense used for foraging, mating and avoiding predators.

Throughout the world, the current “Golden Standard” of explosives and narcotics detection is canines. While mechanized systems are more efficient and have long duty cycles, they are bulky, expensive – and most importantly do not yet achieve the performance of animals in field conditions. As an illustration for the difference between bio-detection and machine detection consider the problem of face recognition- artificial systems capabilities are still far from what you can do without effort – recognize a face in the crowd in seconds. Even speech recognition, which is not a problem for any human, is not yet achieved after years and billions of dollars spent by the biggest companies. Odors are just as complex - Though humans cannot fully realize it. The high specificity of the olfactory system in rodents enables detection of numerous explosives or drugs while keeping low false alarm rate.

Our systems use these inherent advantages for real life situations. They have the best of both worlds: Proven high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability of animal explosive-detection capabilities – with the high throughput and consistency a mechanized process provides - All at far lower cost. The real time detection and affordable price of our systems will allow security and drug enforcement authorities to implement it in many situations where it was impractical previously. Bio-Explorers’ system also avoids the problems associated with dogs – high costs, limited availability and short duty cycle.

• The systems will contain several cassette enclosures, each holding 4-8 "Biosensors" supplied with all their needs.
• The system itself will revolve around delivering the odors to the sensors in a mechanized, reliable and efficient manner. This could be customized according to the needs of the application - An air streaming gate-like system for person screening, a more mobile system for cargo, etc.
• The number of cassettes in a system and the number of biosensors in a cassette is determined according to the application.

• 2-3 years. The working period is approximately 18 months.

• The basic training of the concept and the first target odor is about 10 days. Additional odors take a few days each.

• Rodents are known to remember dozens of different odors and differentiate them from thousands of other odors. Each of the 4-8 rodents in the system will be trained to react to all the relevant odors.

• No.

• We currently use mice as bio-sensors. The mice are born and raised in clean laboratory conditions (SPF), and their health is monitored periodically by a vet.
• There is no contact between the rodents and the public
• Furthermore the air from the environment flows only into the cassette and the air carried out is filtered for any contamination or odor.

• A big advantage of our training system is that there is almost no need to practice after the initial phase.
• Our experience shows that the behavior is stable for about one month without retraining.
• During the planned maintenance cycle, a thorough performance check-up will be made and refreshment training sessions executed if necessary.

• We are developing an automatic maintenance system that will minimize manual procedures. We expect to reach a standard where you will have a daily calibration, bi-weekly cartridge replacement of food, water and bedding, and monthly training refreshment.

• Canines are considered today the golden standard of explosive detection. Rodents are even more sensitive.
• Multitude of animals/boxes increases the reliability and accuracy and decrease false alarm rate.

• Generally mice are living in various and quite extreme conditions.
• In order to provide them good working conditions in the operational system, the rodents are housed in an enclosure that insulates most of the noise and radiation.
• As examined to date, background odors, dust and soot do not interfere with the operation.
• Climate control will keep the inside conditions in a suitable range.