WeaponWatch uses infrared to spot the enemy
When infrared rays aren't busy bouncing between your TV and your remote, or helping your video camera find it's way in the dark, they're working overtime in Iraq to help identify the positioning of enemy weapons—before a shot is even heard. Current systems rely on the sonic characteristics of a weapon firing to try and pin down the location of the attack and the gun used, but apparently the speed of sound just isn't fast enough for that type of situation, so a company from Alabama called Radiance is stepping in with WeaponWatch, their (sort of) fast-as-light infrared solution. It identifies weapons based on their unique muzzle bursts, and they claim that in 6 ms the device can detect a firing weapon from 1000 meters and still pin down the location of the attack to within 1.5 meters. Not too shabby. Apparently this could eventually be integrated into an all-in-one system to not only find the perpetrator, but too shoot 'em dead as well, but luckily military rules of engagement aren't so hot on that type of robo warfare—yet.
[Via Yahoo! News]
