PIONEERING research company QinetiQ has invented a variety of people-screening devices that could save thousands of lives.

The Malvern-based firm's highly portable Ferroguard metal detector system has already successfully undergone several high-profile UK and European mainland trials.

Ideal for schools, prisons, commercial premises, nightclubs, sports events and other public buildings, the system will detect knives and other metal objects but has no effect on pacemakers, mobile radios or telephones and will not set off the alarm on a large proportion of coins or keys.

"Unlike conventional large, heavy archway metal detectors that are cumbersome to deploy, this compact system can be transported and deployed from a small vehicle by a single operator within minutes," said a spokesman for the firm.

"It is available as either a highly portable floor standing system or as a wall-mounted unit to provide discreet security for commercial premises.

"Power is drawn from a normal mains socket or from a rechargeable battery with up to 48 hrs operational life. A waterproof version, ideal for use at outside events, is also available."

At the other end of the spectrum, QinetiQ has developed an advanced security screening device based on millimetre wave imaging technologies that can detect hidden metallic, non-metallic or other concealed weapons.

"The system produces real-time moving images of people in complete safety and allows operators to accurately locate where the threat item is hidden on the body and take appropriate action," added the spokesman.

"Such systems could provide high visibility security at airports other public buildings and secure areas for VIP protection."

QinetiQ conducted a trial of a prototype millimetre wave imager at Gatwick airport in 2002, with favourable response from both passengers and operating staff.

A new demonstrator has now been developed that includes a number of improvements in both design and performance.

QinetiQ has also developed a number of other security products, such as the Borderwatch system, which is now used by the Immigration Service and Eurotunnel to detect people trying to enter Britain illegally in the back of lorries, and the Tarsier system, which locates small objects and debris on an airport runway at a distance of up to two kilometres.