TSA, Leidos Updating AIT Algorithm for Gender Neutrality
The Transportation Security Administration is working with Leidos [LDOS], the manufacturer of the body imaging systems used at airport security checkpoints, to update the algorithm with gender neutrality in mind, a move the agency says will increase accuracy and efficiency. The Leidos-supplied Advanced Imaging Technology systems scan for objects hidden inside or underneath the clothing of travelers, providing an alert to TSA officers of an anomaly presented on a specific location of a generic outline of a person scanned by the machines. “By replacing the current, gender-based AIT Systems, this new, more accurate technology will also advance civil rights and improve the customer experience of travelers who previously have been required to undergo additional screening due to alarms in sensitive areas,” TSA says. Once development and testing are complete, the updated algorithms will deploy to airports starting later this year. Until the new algorithms are installed, TSA has updated its standard operating procedures to conduct less invasive pat downs for certain passengers who trigger an AIT scanner in a sensitive area. TSA says this will mean fewer pat downs but without compromising security.
Liberty Defense Training New AI Algorithm for HEXWAVE Detection System
Liberty Defense says it is collecting thousands of images to train its artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to accurately identify metallic and non-metallic concealed weapons or threat objects on a person. The company says that the algorithms will exceed detection and screening performance requirements across multiple markets. “With our collection of real-world data from our proprietary HEXWAVE hardware portals, Liberty has reached a critical milestone on its development path to bring advanced security detection to the market,” says Michael Lanzaro, president and chief technology officer of Liberty. “We have been developing a cutting-edge deep learning algorithm with our team of industry experts, who have previously and successfully brought market-leading AI algorithms used in the aviation security screening market. And with the hardware configuration recently completed on the first two beta HEXWAVE portals, we are confident we now have an imaging platform that can deliver high-quality image data to enhance our AI algorithm.” HEXWAVE is a contactless walk-through screening portal that uses millimeter wave, 3D imaging and AI to detect concealed metallic and non-metallic weapons and threats on a person with a goal not to trigger alarms on objects like mobile phones left in pockets. Beta field trials begin this summer.
Evolv Technology People Scanner Gets DHS SAFETY Act Approval
Evolv Technology [EVLV] says its Evolv Express high-throughput walk-through people scanner has received the Department of Homeland Security’s SAFETY Act designation as qualified anti-terrorism technology, which provides limited liability protections in the event of a terrorist attack. Achieving SAFETY Act Designation means a technology has undergone rigorous used and review to meet or exceed DHS performance standards. Evolv Express screens up to 3,600 people per hour with AI and sensors. “Not only does the DHS’s SAFETY Act Designation further validate our AI-based technology to the physical security market, but we believe it will also provide our customers and their visitors with increased assurance that Evolv helps to provide the safest possible venue entry, without the traditional metal detector experience,” say Peter George, president and CEO of Evolv.