The management company “Airports of Regions” and Skoltech have signed an agreement to implement a research project aimed at developing a prototype of a gas analyzer for explosives. The device, named the “e-nose,” mimics the function of biological olfaction, detecting and classifying odors using machine learning technology. The agreement was signed by Rinat Khalikov, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Airports of Regions, and Skoltech President Alexander Kuleshov. The signing took place at the Innoprom exhibition in Yekaterinburg.

The core of the technology is a matrix of 17 cross-sensitive sensors on a miniature silicon chip. When exposed to odors, the sensors generate a unique pattern of electrical signals, which are then interpreted by machine learning algorithms. The system not only recognizes but also classifies complex mixtures of smells. This technology has already been successfully applied in the food industry and is introduced into medicine and the chemical industry. Under this agreement, it will be adapted for the detection of explosives and other prohibited substances in transport facilities.

Rinat Khalikov, Chairman of the Board of Directors at Airports of Regions, stated: “Airports of Regions will help Skoltech refine the technology in accordance with the safety requirements of the transportation industry. Experts in transport security services will be involved in this process. Initial tests have already been conducted at our Koltsovo airport, and based on the results, we decided to continue the collaboration. Currently, there are no analogous devices in Russia that combine the same electronics, pneumatics, sensor materials, and analysis algorithms. A successful development of such an analyzer will enhance the capabilities of transport security services and improve the protection of airport terminals and other infrastructure.”

The device is capable of detecting hazardous substances, including components that are difficult to identify using traditional sensors. At the same time, it is more compact and mobile than existing spectrometers used for detecting explosives.

Skoltech President Alexander Kuleshov commented: “The e-nose technology developed at Skoltech will be adapted to meet the needs of transport security. We see Airports of Regions as a highly qualified industrial partner and are confident that this collaboration will become a model of how science can address practical challenges, with the customer helping science arrive at the optimal technological solution.”

The agreement is valid for one year. During this time, specialists will modify and optimize the sensor module for detecting explosives, develop a prototype of the device, and train the analyzer under real operating conditions in airports. Based on the results, a decision may be made to begin serial production of the new gas analyzer.