NEC, SITA Partner to Develop Biometric-Based Touchless Transit Through Airports

NEC Corp. and SITA have partnered to develop a secure touchless travel experience at airports that combines digital identities on smart phones with cloud-based mobile services and an identity management solution. NEC will provide its I:Delight identity management platform and face recognition algorithms and SITA its Smart Path and Smart Flex solutions that will integrate mobile and biometric technologies with existing infrastructure and airline applications. The companies say that their integrated solutions will allow passengers to use their digital identity to check in, make payment, drop their bags, and pass through security, immigration and boarding by scanning their face at each step. At each touchpoint, the facial recognition capabilities of the solution will recognize the passenger, making each step touchless and easy. “Leveraging SITA’s common-use footprint in more than 460 airports globally and NEC’s award winning identity management technology, we are well place to help our customers deliver a truly unique and efficient experience in the airport, particularly during these challenging times where there is increased focus on the health and safety of passengers,” says Barbara Dalibard, CEO of SITA.

AeroDefense Introduces Mobile Option for Drone Detection System

AeroDefense has introduced a mobile version of its AirWarden drone detection system for use on mobile command vehicles and marine vessels. The four-inch, four-ounce antenna can be mounted on an external antenna mast and connects to detection electronics inside a vehicle or vessel for discreet operations, the New Jersey-based company says. The mobile option can extend the range of a fixed network and can be used to search at patrol speed in a grid fashion to locate drones and pilots. “AeroDefense offers the unique capability of drone detection in motion that does not require legal authorization to operate,” says Linda Ziemba, founder and CEO of AeroDefense. “We already had a solid foundation for the software that received a Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act designation last year, so adding flexible deployment options allows us to help security teams protect more people.”

Smiths Detection Introduces Detection Algorithms for Lithium Batteries, Other Dangerous Items

Smiths Detection has launched iCMORE detection algorithms for lithium batteries and other dangerous goods for use on its HI-SCAN 10080 XCT explosive detection system for screening checked bags. The company says with the new algorithms, the EDS system is the first to offer these options. In addition to detecting lithium batteries, the latest iCMORE detection algorithms can detect flammable liquids and solids, and compressed and liquefied gasses. Detecting of such dangerous items isn’t mandatory in hold baggage and air cargo screening but the company says the new capability offers increased safety for passengers, staff and assets. Shipping dangerous goods by air requires special treatment and additional declarations. “Using this technology will not only make aviation safer but can also help prevent costly finds for shipping dangerous goods in a non-compliant way as well as helping safeguard the global supply of goods, which is essential given the need for medical supplies—for example—to be shipped without interruption,” says Richard Thompson, global director of Aviation for Smiths Detection.

Citadel Defense Releases AI Software to Automate Counter-Drone Protection

Citadel Defense has introduced new artificial intelligence-powered software and networking solutions to enable autonomous protection against 98 percent of commercial-off-the-shelf drones. The company says that by networking multiple of its Titan counter unmanned aircraft system technology together, a large base or airfield can achieve around-the-clock protection through a single interface and click of one button. “Our troops and security face dynamic threat environments where drones are only one of many concerns,” says Christopher Williams, CEO of Citadel Defense. “We designed Titan to provide automated end-to-end protection against commercial-off-the-shelf drones with the same user experience on one system as you have when over a dozen systems are networked together.”

Global GRAB Achieves SAFETY Act Designation

Global GRAB Technologies says its less-than-lethal Net-Vehicle Barrier and Hostile Vehicle Mitigation and Perimeter Security products have achieved SAFETY Act Designation from the Department of Homeland Security, giving the Tennessee-based company limited liability protections related to the use of its solutions and claims that arise out of an act of terrorism. The products have been deployed at hundreds of customer sites including defense, military, government agencies, airports, port authorities, petrochemical, data centers, financial institutions and more in the U.S. and globally.

Northrop Grumman Completes Multi-Mission Demo of Firebird System

Northrop Grumman [NOC] recently completed a four-day, multi-mission demonstration of its Firebird optionally-piloted intelligence and surveillance aircraft platform, featuring the rapid integration of a new sensor for broad area surveillance. The demonstration, which consisted of four 10-plus hour manned flights on four consecutive days, included integration of Overwatch Imaging’s TK-9 Earthwatch sensor for missions such as route clearance, search and rescue, and fire hotspot detection. The aircraft had 100 percent availability for day and night operations. The Firebird system, which is designed for the broad global security and civil market, also performed pattern of life monitoring, high-value subject tracking, and hostage recovery missions, during the demonstration. The company also touts the open architecture design of Firebird for enabling rapid integration of new sensors for different missions. In a previous demonstration, Firebird few in the morning and then during lunch, new payloads were swapped out and a different mission was flown in the afternoon. The aircraft can accommodate payloads that haven’t been integrated on it previously.