Travellers moving through Los Angeles airports next week will be the first to be screened using advanced technology such as artificial intelligence (AI) and 3D imaging.
Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FRANKFURT: LD2A) announced on Monday that Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) has started testing the HEXWAVE system for potential use in employee screening at its airports.
LAWA operates and manages three airports, including the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, serving around 65 million passengers in 2022.
HEXWAVE is an advanced screening system that uses millimetre wave, 3D imaging, and AI to detect concealed metallic and non-metallic weapons, including liquid, plastic, and powder explosives, 3D printed guns, and other prohibited items. Millimetre wave technology is used for body scanning and detecting concealed objects. It works by emitting low-power radio waves that bounce off the body and are then detected by sensors. The company has been rolling them out to airports like Toronto’s Pearson International Airport, and universities such as the University of Madison-Wisconsin.
The system allows for fast and automated screening without requiring people to remove common items such as cell phones or keys. The walkthrough portal is contactless and has a high throughput capacity.
“We take security measures and the efficiency of screening very seriously at our airports, and our approach is to look to security technology that can help us continue to stay ahead of the curve,” said Chief Cecil Rhambo, Chief of Police at Los Angeles World Airports.
“The mobility of the HEXWAVE system and its ability to detect non-metallic and metallic threats are features we look forward to evaluating during this trial phase to help enhance our employee screening capabilities.”
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Hexwave will be evaluated during real-time security options
The airport has many access points and employs thousands of aviation workers, which makes security a top priority. The HEXWAVE system will be evaluated by LAWA during real-time security operations at LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal for one week.
Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. is a technology provider that offers AI-based detection solutions for concealed weapons and threats.
“The HEXWAVE technology provides a flexible screening solution that can be rapidly deployed to various areas within and outside airport facilities, as well as improve screening efficiency,” said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense.
“This makes the system an ideal option for enhancing aviation worker screening protocols, and we are excited that LAWA will evaluate the HEXWAVE with the goal of adding to their existing security program.”
Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA) (formerly Patriot One Technologies) is another company providing artificial intelligence enhanced security for outdoor venues.
The company provides a gateway system called SmartGateway for large venues that require efficient screening of a large number of patrons, while offering customization to meet specific security needs.
The system screens patrons quickly and accurately while replacing traditional metal detectors with a more user-friendly approach. The SmartGateway uses AI-powered sensors to scan patrons for prohibited items such as guns and knives, without compromising their sense of privacy and comfort. The screening is unobtrusive, allowing patrons to enter the facility without intimidation or discomfort.
Liberty Defense shares rose 2.9 per cent on Monday to close at $0.175 on the TSX Venture Exchange.
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