Synthetic Nabs $1M DHS S&T Award for Machine Learning to Aid Aviation Security
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate has awarded Synthetik Applied Technology
$1 million to develop machine learning training data that simulates human travelers and baggage object models to support machine learning algorithms. The award is for two-year phase II work under the Small Business Innovation Research program after Synthetik was successful in a first phase demonstration of feasibility for their Synthetic Data Training for Explosive Detection Machine Learning Algorithm technology solution. In Phase II, the Austin, Texas-based will continue to develop synthetic training data to enhance machine learning object detection algorithms to improve detection and reduced false alarms. Enhancing these algorithms requires training on a large amount of data, which is expensive and time consuming. “Synthetik’s work will enable DHS S&T’s Screening at Speed program to generate high-fidelity training data for machine learning algorithms virtually instantaneously and with very little cost,” says Karl Harris, an S&T program manager. “This training data will help us develop faster and more accurate algorithms to improve throughput of passenger bags while protecting the health and safety of Transportation Security Administration employees and the traveling public.”
Airbus Delivers H125 Helos to CBP
Airbus Helicopters has delivered the first of 16 new H125 helicopters specially configured for Customer and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations. The deliveries are part of a long-term fleet upgrade. The first helicopter for the new configuration was tested and delivered from Airbus Helicopters’ facility in Grand Prairie, Texas. The remaining aircraft are being built in Columbus, Miss.
Singapore Airport Acquires High-Speed EDS System from Smiths Detection
Smiths Detection says that Singapore’s Changi Airport will deploy 20 of the company’s high-speed HI-SCAN 10080 XCT automatic explosives detection systems (EDS) for the redevelopment of the Terminal 2 baggage handling system. The EDS units will be installed over four years beginning in Aug. 2020. The contract incudes a maintenance option for Smiths to provide on-site service maintenance. The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT can scan up to 1,800 bags per hour.