Threat detection in X-ray security screening is critical for preventing concealed threats in airports and other high-security venue where Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) remain among the most persistent and dangerous threats.
The lack of a representative, and publicly available IED dataset has limited the development of machine-learning based automated threat detection systems. To address these issues, we propose an open access dataset, called IEDXray constructed for automated detection of IEDs. The dataset comprises 17,360 X-ray images captured under a strategic concealment protocol, covering scenarios ranging from isolated threats to heavily cluttered baggage environments. It includes diverse IED types—homemade explosives, batteries, and modified devices such as laptops, mobile phones, pagers, and walkie-talkies.
Read more…
Source: Springer Nature News
Sign up for the Counter-IED Report Newsletters
The latest news and insights delivered right to your inbox
Related:
- Explosive Detection Canines in the Field: A Multi-Site Black Box Validation Study
August 13, 2025
In 2009, the National Research Council called upon the forensic science community to standardize the best practices and guidelines in the collection and analysis of evidence with the goal of ensuring quality and consistency within the field. In response to this need, the Organization of Scientific Area Committees for Forensic Science (OSAC) was established to ...
- UAS sensor protection key initiative for Army’s C5ISR Center
August 11, 2025
FORT BELVOIR, Va. – Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), also commonly known as drones, have significantly evolved over the last decade of large-scale combat operations—transitioning from simple reconnaissance tools to complex weapon systems. Today’s soldiers are seeing how UAS play an increasingly pivotal and multifaceted role in contemporary conflicts and how they will serve as critical enablers ...
- Going Far, Together: U.S. and UK Collaboration Promotes CBRN Deterrence
July 29, 2025
Last month, JPEO-CBRND hosted CBRN defense experts from across the U.S. Department of Defense and UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) for the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction (CWMD) Science, Technology, and Acquisition Forum (C-STAF). This annual bilateral meeting fosters collaboration between two close and longstanding allies with a common interest in contributing to global security. Established ...
- Characterising Explosive Components with Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography
July 22, 2025
To better characterize components in explosive devices, Dutch researchers, led by University of Amsterdam personnel, tested a new two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC)-based method of analyzing explosive traces. Their research was published in the Journal of Chromatography A. As global terrorist attacks have persisted over the past decades, there have been pushes for further development of analytical ...
- Ukraine: How Technology Is Transforming Humanitarian Demining
July 15, 2025
Over 137,000 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory are potentially contaminated with explosive ordnance. In such a heavily mine-contaminated environment, Ukraine can no longer treat demining as a narrowly technical or purely security-related task. Today, it is a fundamental pillar of national recovery. And it is technology that has become the key to large-scale, rapid, and safe ...
- DEVCOM CBC Supports Readiness of CBRN Equipment
June 27, 2025
CB Defense Today is an interview program featuring experts who discuss innovations, technologies, and partnerships relevant to the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Chemical Biological Center (DEVCOM CBC) and the chemical and biological defense community. In this episode, public affairs specialist Jack Bunja interviews Jorge Christian, Chief of the Sustainment Division at the Center, about ...
- Chemists develop contactless system to detect Fentanyl, explosives and other harmful substances
June 24, 2025
A system that detects trace levels of fentanyl, cocaine, explosives and other harmful substances through the air has been created by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. New test results of a device based on the technology that was originally developed by PNNL chemist Robert Ewing and colleagues were presented at the ...
- India: Major Rajprasad Honored with NSG Award, Lt Gen Ghai Steps Up as Deputy Chief
June 12, 2025
In a significant recognition of innovation within defense, Major Rajprasad RS of the Indian Army’s Corps of Engineers has been bestowed with the ‘NSG Counter IED Innovator Award’. Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan presented the award during the National Security Guard Seminar held on Wednesday in Delhi, commending Major Rajprasad for his groundbreaking innovations — the ...
- India: Uttar Pradesh Advances Security with Cutting-Edge CBRN Technology
June 8, 2025
The Uttar Pradesh government is taking significant steps to bolster its security infrastructure against Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) threats. In a concerted effort to safeguard key locations and high-profile individuals, the state intends to procure advanced technological solutions. Drawing inspiration from the security protocols of India’s Parliament, the Uttar Pradesh government is collaborating with ...
- Evaluation of Organic Explosive Training Aids: A Chemical Profiling Approach
June 6, 2025
Organic explosive training aids play a vital role in training canines to detect explosive safely and effectively. However, there is limited scientific knowledge regarding the chemical composition and odour profiles of these aids, as well as the relationship between these characteristics. T o address this gap, this study conducted chemical profiling to identify the chemical compounds ...
- NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme launches new call for research proposals
May 26, 2025
The NATO Science for Peace and Security (SPS) Programme promotes dialogue and practical cooperation between Allies and NATO partners based on scientific research, technological innovation and knowledge exchange. The Programme aims to strengthen the Alliance to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow, and it is pleased to announce a new call for research proposals. The ...
- After the Blast: Seeking Clues in the Aftermath of an Explosion
May 23, 2025
To the untrained eye, the aftermath of a blast incident comprises fragments, debris, disorder. But to seasoned officers, the incident scene can yield vital clues. Post-blast Investigations (PBI) involve a multi-faceted response to blast incidents. Through the meticulous recovery and analysis of forensic evidence, crucial investigative leads can be generated, enabling offenders to be swiftly identified. ...
- Virginia: New research center aims to elevate nation’s drone defense
May 21, 2025
A new Virginia Tech effort will take aim at bolstering the nation’s defenses against uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), commonly called drones. A recent $5 million award from the U.S. Army Futures Command Combat Capabilities Development Command C5ISR Center will augment capabilities at the existing Counter UAS Research and Testing Center that will include an unparalleled ecosystem ...
- Data-as-a-Product: A Force Multiplier for CBRN Defense
May 20, 2025
Biological agents have become cheaper, faster, and easier for adversaries to engineer and employ due to advancements in science and technology. Though defeating these dynamic threats can be challenging, the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Defense’s (JPEO-CBRND) Joint Project Lead for CBRND Enabling Biotechnologies (JPL CBRND EB) is using the ...
- Using sound to ‘see’ unexploded munitions on the seafloor
May 19, 2025
More than 400 underwater sites in the United States are potentially contaminated with unexploded ordnance (UXO) — weapons that did not explode upon deployment, which continue to pose a safety concern. Corrosion and growth make UXOs difficult to observe with standard sonar imaging techniques, as the objects begin to lose resemblance to their original appearance andblend ...