Intelligent detectors protect terracotta warriors

Issue 2 2021 Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection

Bosch Building Technologies has installed a comprehensive intrusion alarm system at one of China's most visited cultural sites: the Mausoleum of Qin Shihuangdi in the city of Xi'an. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a 2000-year-old army of clay statues, the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.


Several hundred TriTech motion detectors are deployed to protect the over 10 000 m2 sized museum against theft and damage. These detectors prevent costly and time-consuming false alarms under challenging environmental conditions, while providing detection reliability of real alarms. Because of the highly efficient intrusion detection system, which detects and reports any unauthorised intrusion into the security areas to security personnel in less than two seconds, the museum can dispense entirely with physical protective barriers such as glass walls, allowing visitors to directly experience the site.

“The cooperation with Bosch is an excellent showcase of modern high-tech protection of historic buildings. Bosch intrusion alarm systems help to upgrade the security level of these unique historic sites,” says Ren Xuxin, project manager of Xi’an Terracotta Warriors and Horses Pit Security Upgrade Project.

Millennia-old warriors under protection

As wall detectors, the TriTech motion detectors protect the pits where the terracotta warriors are located. Because these pits collect large amounts of dust that could cause false alarms, the intelligent sensor data fusion algorithm in each of the rugged detectors checks potential alarms with PIR sensors and microwave Doppler radar for a consistent result. The area to be protected is thereby also secured from above by ceiling-mounted TriTech motion detectors. These detectors are located 4,8 metres above the museum floor, yet operate accurately and reliably. They thus exceed the range of standard ceiling detectors by more than 2 metres.


In the event of an actual security breach, the Bosch G-Series system controller sends an alert, including the location of the triggered detector, in less than 2 seconds to the security team in the control room, which uses live images from a video system to verify the alarm. In most cases, tourists trigger an alarm when they cross a threshold to retrieve their cameras or smartphones that have accidentally fallen into the pit. In doing so, there is a risk of damage to the priceless terracotta warriors. But even if real criminals should ever get in on the act, the system is ready.


The TriTech motion detectors provide round-the-clock protection for the museum, which is visited by thousands of culture enthusiasts every day. Thanks to their discreet design, the detectors are unobtrusive and thus do not interfere with the museum experience. In accordance with the museum operator's list of requirements, the intrusion detection system protects not only the museum, including the perimeter as well as the visitor areas of the mausoleum, but additionally the cultural treasures currently stored in the unmanned warehouse.




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

When your security starts thinking with you
Secutel Technologies Surveillance Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection AI & Data Analytics
If you manage a warehouse or logistics environment, you already understand how quickly risk can escalate during the day and after hours. The question is: how quickly can you respond?

Read more...
Gallagher Security releases new fence controllers
Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection News & Events
Gallagher Security has announced the release of its new F5 and F6 Fence Controllers, marking the latest generation of enhanced-safety, monitored-pulse fence technology, designed to meet the demands of modern security environments.

Read more...
Exhibitions across the security spectrum
News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Smart Home Automation
HomeSec Expo has become the security industry’s premier trade event. Visitors will experience a live showcase of how different aspects of the security spectrum come together under one roof.

Read more...
A clear vision for a safer, smarter future
News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Smart Home Automation
With its authoritative lineup of sponsors and exhibitors, HomeSec Expo 2026 embodies an authoritative, yet pragmatic vision, for the security industry. It is a vision that recognises both the urgency of current threats and the excitement of technological innovation.

Read more...
South African counter-drone system completes trials
Products & Solutions Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection IoT & Automation
Pretoria-based military engineering company Centauri Technologies has announced that its TriAD counter-drone system successfully completed integrated, multi-layered C-UAS (counter-unmanned aerial system) capability trials in a vehicle-mounted configuration.

Read more...
Navigating a modern, layered security landscape
News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Smart Home Automation
The convergence of perimeter control and access automation is driving demand for solutions that work together. This is the focus of HomeSec Expo 2026, which takes place on 4th and 5th March 2026 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Read more...
Beyond the fence
Technews Publishing Fang Fences & Guards SMART Security Solutions Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection Access Control & Identity Management
In a threat landscape characterised by sophisticated syndicates, harsh environmental conditions, and unstable power grids, a static barrier is no longer a defence; it is merely a brief delay.

Read more...
2026 Industry Trends Report calls out security’s next opportunity
Integrated Solutions Access Control & Identity Management Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Gallagher Security has released its 2026 Security Industry Trends Report, drawing on insights from end users, channel partners, consultants, and technology stakeholders; highlighting a growing opportunity for security to play a more strategic, value-driven role across organisations worldwide.

Read more...
Inaugural Command the Future event in Cape Town
Gallagher News & Events Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
Gallagher Security Africa’s inaugural Command the Future 2025 event was a resounding success, reinforcing Gallagher’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and long-term growth in Africa’s rapidly evolving security industry.

Read more...
VM2 vibration detection monitor
Stafix Security Centres Products & Solutions Perimeter Security, Alarms & Intruder Detection
The JVA VM2 is a perimeter intrusion detection system designed to monitor one or two zones of microphonic (acoustic) cable to detect a perimeter breach through the noise and vibrations created by unauthorised access or vandalism.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.