Hyperspectral imaging tech selected for homeland security

Living Optics, a hyperspectral imaging (HSI) company with defence technology applications, has been selected by Singapore Homeland Security’s HTX division for a strategic proof-of-concept initiative to demonstrate its advanced imaging capabilities for security and forensic use cases. This will enable the University of Oxford spinout to showcase its ready-to-deploy technology, demonstrating how its advanced imaging capabilities strengthen border security, support forensic scene analysis, and serve a wide range of homeland security applications.

At the core of the Living Optics platform is a compact, high-performance hyperspectral video camera that enables security teams to identify threats and anomalies that are invisible to traditional sensors. By analysing the unique spectral signatures of materials, the system can uncover hidden objects, track movements, detect camouflage and identify residual traces of activity. With edge computing and AI-powered analytics, the solution delivers actionable intelligence in real time, without requiring extensive technical training or complex set-up.

“This initiative underscores our technological maturity and readiness for immediate deployment in practical national security scenarios,” said Dr Steve Chappell, co-founder and CTO of Living Optics. “Our mission has always been to make hyperspectral imaging practical and impactful for frontline teams. The camera was designed so that non-specialist personnel can operate it effectively and make faster, smarter decisions. We are excited to demonstrate our technology’s versatility, readiness, and potential to shape next-generation security solutions across the region.”

Unlike conventional forensic tools, Living Optics’ HSI technology enables authorities to rapidly examine a scene without disturbing or contaminating it — replacing chemical sprays and invasive techniques with clean, non-contact scanning. The system will be used to detect signs of human presence as well as oil residues on water, providing key insights into illegal border crossings by boat or aircraft. The camera’s compact design also allows potential integration with drones and CCTV infrastructure for wide-area or tactical surveillance applications.

Living Optics’ technology has been validated in trials and research conducted with the UK Armed Forces, Singaporean defence accelerators and NATO-affiliated science teams. It has the potential to detect landmines, assess battlefield damage and spot wear and tear on equipment, giving security forces greater awareness while minimising risk to personnel. Designed for deployment in both urban and remote environments, the Living Optics camera is lightweight, rugged, and easy to use in the field or to integrate into robots, drones and vehicles.

The company’s imaging solution has broad applications across defence and homeland security, including surveillance enhancement, emergency response, and maintenance and inspection activities. It can detect burned or degraded materials in post-fire investigations, reveal signs of smuggling activity in hidden compartments, and even identify stress or fatigue in structural materials. These capabilities are transforming how military and security professionals gather and act on intelligence, making hyperspectral vision a mission-critical advantage.

Image credit: iStock.com/Kokkai Ng