Neon Robo-Ferret Identifies Trafficked Persons

by Amanda Kloer · 2009-06-18 12:00:00 UTC
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If you asked me to guess the five technological developments this year that will help end human trafficking, a neon robotic cargo-sniffing ferret would not have been on that list.  But that's exactly what the UK-based Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) has developed as a way to identify trafficking victims being smuggled into the country. 

This new machine can apparently identify not just humans, but also guns and drugs being moved illegally.  The technology is a pretty far leap ahead of what has existed, since it will allow border patrol officials to identify what substance something is made out of (i.e. human flesh, wood, powder, etc.) as opposed to only the density.  Very cool technology, but I'm at a loss as to why they call it a ferret.  It looks more like three thread spools designed in 1986 connected by Legos.  The last ferret I saw in person was at a 6th grade show-an-tell and it was significantly furrier (and smellier) than the one pictured here.  So what about this machine could possibly be ferret-like?  Well, according to developer Dr. Tony Todd,

 "The ferret will be able to drop small probes down through the cargo and so pinpoint exactly where contraband is concealed."

Back in 6th grade, we referred to what a ferret would drop as "ferret-pellets", but I see this research team has gone with the more scientific "probes."  And while we grown-up and educated scientists and activists may see the distinct difference, a 6th grader reading this story will come to a simpler and wiser conclusion: that the future of anti-trafficking technology is robot poop.  In this field, I never cease to be surprised.

And for those of you who thought this blog was too high-minded for the occasional poop joke, I hope you never cease to be either. 

 

Amanda Kloer is a Change.org Editor and has been a full-time abolitionist in several capacities for seven years. Follow her on Twitter @endhumantraffic
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