Britain develops a camera that can see through clothes

Americans remain concerned about public safety following a recent string of high-profile shootings that have occurred around the country within the last year; but a recent breakthrough in the security industry may give the public some peace of mind in the future. According to Reuters, a British company has developed a camera that can detect weapons, drugs, liquids, and explosives hidden under people's clothing from up to 80 feet away.

ThruVision, in collaboration with the European Space Agency, created the T5000 camera which uses passive imaging technology to identify objects through their emission of natural electromagnetic rays. Apparently, people and objects emit low levels of electromagnetic radiation that can pass through walls and clothing, and the T5000 camera can distinguish the different types of T-ray waves without exposing a person to harmful radiation associated with X-ray screening.

These security cameras use civilian and military applications that can detect hidden dangerous metallic and non-metallic items even when people are moving at a fast pace. Those concerned about the technology shouldn't be according to the company, since the screening process is harmless and will not reveal anatomical details. ThruVision believes the T5000 will increase security in crowded public spaces such as airports, schools, and shopping centers, and even speed up the sluggish screening process currently in place at some of these facilities.

The promising T5000 camera will be exhibited at a scientific development exhibition hosted by Britain's Home Office Scientific Development Branch this week, and with all the buzz this camera is generating, it won't be long before we start to see it everywhere. AJC.com says several U.S. military sites are already testing this technology.