Government Technology Leadership Awards Homeland Security or War on Terrorism

he same motion sensing technology that tracked Serbian weapons movements in Bosnia and guarded U.S. troop encampments in Afghanistan has now been installed in a less exotic locale-New Jersey.

The Army National Guard is using the motion sensors as a buffer of security around two nuclear plants in the state. Now, Guard troops who are trying to keep intruders off the property are getting some much needed relief from sentries that never sleep.

The Improved Remotely Monitored Battlefield Sensor System soon will be used to protect infrastructures such as bridges and tunnels, says Steve Makrinos, chief engineer on the team that built the original system for the Army.

Makrinos marvels at how the technology has evolved. Years ago the sensors weighed several pounds and measured a few feet in length. Today they've shrunk to less than 15 grams and can fit in his hand.

-Shane Harris

WHY IT'S INNOVATIVE
Battlefield technology used for domestic protection.

WHAT IT CHANGED
Nuclear reactors now have more than barbed wire and fences to protect them.