HMGCC Co-Creation Challenge: AI-Enhanced X-Ray Imaging for Bomb Disposal

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Summary of Challenge

Can you develop a machine learning-enabled solution that helps engineers identify, characterise, and understand electronic components using only x-ray images?

To safely disarm explosive devices, skilled operatives sometimes use x-ray images to identify the electronic trigger and disarm it. However, this is difficult with complicated circuits and when the images are not clear.

This is a 12-week funded challenge. Applicants must deliver a demonstrator at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 5 within the project period.

HMGCC will provide funding for time and materials, overheads, and other indirect expenses for successful applicants.

Context of Challenge

Bomb disposal is dangerous work undertaken by military and policing agencies among other government organisations. A key part of the process to safely disable a suspected explosive device while limiting physical contact, is using x-ray images to identify the electronic components that make up the switching mechanism designed to detonate a suspected explosive device.

This task can be further complicated by the presence of tripwires, anti-tamper mechanisms, and other countermeasures that may trigger the device if disturbed.

The gap

Analysing x-ray images of explosive devices is a highly specialised skill. Because specialists are not usually deployed in the field, operators on the ground must capture images and send them to remote experts for analysis and advice.

This process can be slowed down by poor-quality images taken under operational pressure, the need for additional imaging, and the time it takes to send large files over limited communications links.

Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, used to identify key electronic components in complicated circuits, could bring some of this analysis closer to the point of need. This could help operators identify and classify electronic components more quickly in the field, while ensuring human operators remain responsible for all operational decisions.

Dates

*Please note, the successful solution provider will be expected to have availability for a one hour onboarding call via MS Teams on the date specified to begin the onboarding/contractual process.

Clarifying questions or general requests for assistance can be submitted directly to cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk before the deadline with the challenge title as the subject. These clarifying questions may be technical, procedural, or commercial in subject, or anything else where assistance is required. Please note that answered questions will be published to facilitate a fair and open competition.

Eligibility

This challenge is open to sole innovators, industry, academic and research organisations of all types and sizes. There is no requirement for security clearances. Solution providers or direct collaboration from countries listed by the UK government under trade sanctions and/or arms embargoes, are not eligible for HMGCC Co-Creation challenges.

How to Apply

Please submit your application on the HMGCC Co-Creation website. Any queries please email Co-Creation@dstl.gov.uk and cocreation@hmgcc.gov.uk.

All information you provide to us as part of your application will be handled in confidence.

Applications must be no more than six pages or six slides in length. HMGCC Co-Creation reserves the right to stop reading after six pages if this limit is breached. The page/slide limit excludes title pages, references, personnel CVs and organisational profiles.

There is no prescribed application format, however, please ensure your application includes the following:

Challenge Documents