The US Office of Naval Research and Naval Research Laboratory have designed Rough Rhino, a prototype sensor-and-software suite designed to track and identify boats that could represent security threats. The system—which consists of radar, optics, electronic-surveillance equipment, and software—accesses and controls a series of sensors deployed on the water and on shore. The sensors gather information from boats, including those not cooperating with security officials. The data can be stored and retrieved for review or legal prosecutions. The goal is to disrupt and stop narcotics and human trafficking, and illegal fishing activities. The Office of Naval Research reports that the sensor-based system has been used in five major operations to date. The US Navy recently tested the system in the coastal waters off of Senegal and Cape Verde during an international maritime security operation. On a single day during that operation, the system tracked more than 600 boats, 24 of which were boarded by security teams for additional inspection. (Science Daily)(Office of Naval Research)
