DHS S&T awards $198,000 award to Lauretta AI to customize anomaly detection systems for extra protection

Lauretta AI, an Arlington, Mass. startup, received $198,000 from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) this week for work on a commercial artificial intelligence solution capable of making an adaptable anomaly detection system to secure soft targets.

“Ensuring the safety of soft target venues is a top priority,” Melissa Oh, managing director of S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP), said. “Innovative technologies that can be integrated to existing systems is critical to preserving and enhancing the security and privacy of public areas and people.”

Lauretta AI proposed adapting its existing technology for activity recognition and tracking to take in multiple data points per subject and minimize false alerts. This would also allow the system to address the multi-layered requirements, as well as situational and physical limitations, of soft target locations, such as mass transit. For DHS, the offer also proposes a tempting extra layer of safety for locations through quick action during unknown threats.

“Mass transit, on average, carries nearly 10 times as many passengers per day as the nation’s busiest airports,” Ali Fadel, program manager of the S&T Soft Targets Security Program, said. “With limited checkpoints for screening passengers and their belongings, our program is pursuing innovative technologies to enhance physical security and situational awareness at venues. Utilizing advanced algorithms to identify and alert security personnel to left behind items—in near real-time—will allow them to quickly respond to dangerous events and clear harmless left-behind items. The intent is to integrate security solutions within a broader layered architecture to better protect commuters, riders, and families using public transportation systems or attending a mass gathering—all without impacting the speed of the traveling public.”

SVIP dangled the award under its Securing Soft Targets solicitation, actively courting solutions to automatically detect anomalous events through camera feeds, reduce error and minimize delays to increase responsiveness to threats at schools, sports venues, transportation systems, and more public venues. Ultimately, the funds were provided as a Phase 1 Other Transaction award.