# Pirate-Pointing Radars The WatchStander Radar System Helps Ships Detect Pirate Boats By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2014-06-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watchstander References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/watchstander-radar-anti-piracy/32370/) & [watchstander](http://www.watchstander.com/) WatchStander is a state-of-the-art radar system that is designed to help ships identify boats that could house pirates. Most ships today are equipped with radars that allow them to identify other ships from a distance, but these radars aren't great at detecting the small and low-slung vessels used by pirates. WatchStander uses shorter radio wavelengths than standard ship radar systems, allowing it to detect smaller watercraft up to 2 miles away. The radar uses artificial intelligence software developed at [Penn State University's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mechanical-memory-materials) [Applied Research Laboratory](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyanocement) to track suspicious boats and see if they exhibit dangerous behaviors such as approaching the ship at high speed or attempting to intercept the ship's course. If suspicious behavior is detected, the WatchStander will shine a high-intensity spotlight at the boat, disorienting the pirates and warning them that they've been spotted. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.4/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pirate-detecting Technology:** There is an opportunity to innovate in the development of technology that can detect and prevent pirate attacks at sea. - **AI-powered Radar Systems:** The use of artificial intelligence in radar systems presents an opportunity for more accurate and efficient detection of suspicious boats. - **Shorter Radio Wavelength Radars:** The development of radar systems that use shorter radio wavelengths can provide ships with enhanced capabilities to detect smaller watercraft, improving their ability to avoid pirate attacks. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Shipping Industry:** The shipping industry can benefit from investing in pirate-detecting technology to enhance the safety of their ships, cargo, and crew. - **Military Industry:** Military organizations can utilize AI-powered radar systems to improve maritime security and counter piracy efforts. - **Defense Industry:** The development and production of shorter radio wavelength radar systems can create opportunities for companies in the defense industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Missile-Fooling Aircraft Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/antiradar-system.md) - [Roving Security Surveillance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rbwatcher.md) - [Patent Monitoring Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/patent-watch.md) - [Tech-Visible Bike Reflectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/radian-wingman.md) - [Safety-Focused Motorcycle Radars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/motorcycle-radar.md) - [Vehicle-Tracking Cyclist Radar Devices](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/garmin-varia-rearvue-820.md) - [AI-Powered Sail Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-system.md) - [Portable Drone Detectors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dedrone.md) - [Bionic Fishing-Tracking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-positioning-fish.md)