The Argus detects t improvised explosives devices (IEDs) through x-ray backscatter technology. Source: Micro-X.
ASX Tech Stocks: Micro-X launches portable X-ray bomb detector and Archer nabs Hong Kong patent
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- Micro-X launches portable X-ray imager to detect bombs for defence force
- Archer nabs Hong Kong patent for 12CQ quantum computing chip technology
- xReality launches new FREAK VR entertainment centre in Surfers Paradise
Portable mini X-ray technology company Micro-X (ASX:MX1) is branching out from the medical sphere, with the launch of a lightweight, rugged X-ray imager to detect improvised explosives devices (IEDs).
“We were contacted by the Australian Department of Defence’s counter IED taskforce to see if there was any chance that our technology could be used to X-ray suspicious objects without the use of a separate detector,” MD Peter Rowland said.
“The taskforce they wanted to be able to X-ray something using a robot, so a human doesn’t need to go anywhere near it.
“That was where the idea was born, and we have shrunk down the technology even further.
“We have named it the Argus and it’s going to be doing its first trials later this year.”
Rowland believes the addressable market is around US$1.8b, split between defence forces and police bomb squads.
X-ray backscatter tech to detect bombs
The company’s X-ray sources are the first and only production devices to use a cold cathode, replacing the hot filament of traditional X-ray tubes, which allows electronic control and the miniaturisation of the X-ray source – which was previously impossible.
The difference between the Argus product and traditional X-ray imagers is that traditional imagers shine X-rays through an object, and the shadows on the other side of the object are caught using a detector.
Rowland says it turns out there is a tiny amount of X-ray energy which when it hits the target, is scattered back towards the X-ray source.
“We’ve found a way to capture that energy and turn it into an image,” he said.
The next product to be commercialised is MX1’s miniature baggage CT which they are developing under contract to DHS in the US – and Rowland says a lot of airports are interested.
“We’ve also been funded by the Medical Research Future Fund via the Australian Stroke Alliance to develop a brain imaging CT that is small enough and light enough to be able to be fitted to any road or air ambulance,” he added.
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A Hong Kong patent has been granted for Archer’s 12CQ quantum computing chip technology.
The company has now been granted 12CQ chip patents in Australia, the US, China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and a further 12 countries in Europe including the UK, France, and Germany.
“The granted patent protects a proposed qubit processor chip that offers a path to realise practical quantum computing,” Archer said.
It also gives Archer the right to stop others from manufacturing, using and/or selling the 12CQ chip technology invention and is required for any possible future commercialisation operations in the respective granting jurisdictions.
Archer is the only ASX listed company and one of a few players in the world developing qubit processor technology.
xReality’s FREAK Entertainment branch is opening its fifth venue, FREAK on Cavill, in Surfers Paradise this December.
XRG has entered into agreements with centre owner Challenger for a five-year lease of the retail site, located within the brand new redevelopment of the Paradise Centre – the largest shopping centre in Surfers Paradise, which attracts 13.1m tourists per year.
FREAK on Cavill will be a 195m2 venue that will include two of FREAK’s flagship free-roam Arenas, VR Escape Rooms, FREAK Drive racing simulators, and a VR arcade.
The cutting edge VR technology is being delivered by HP and HTC Vive – with whom FREAK has established strategic partnerships with over the last three years.
“Timing couldn’t be better as tourism in the Gold Coast has returned to normal levels and the summer holidays are expected to see record tourism numbers in the region,” CEO Wayne Jones said.
The space-powered Radio Frequency Reconnaissance data-as-a-service (DaaS) company has completed its $10 million debt facility with PURE Asset Management.
The company uses its satellites to collect radio transmissions (RF) data which is delivered to customers on a subscription basis.
The plan is to fund operations and expand beyond the 12-satellite constellation already in orbit as well as the four satellites due to launch in 2H 2022 and to fund the company’s growing operational team.
Kleos has now requested the first tranche drawdown of A$6 million.
