The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) selected the Hexwave system from Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) to be deployed at Pearson International Airport.
Announced on Thursday, the airports authority made the decision based on the results of the two weeks of vigorous beta-testing that the GTAA put Hexwave through in November at the airport.
Hexwave is a surveillance technology that uses millimeter wave, advanced 3D imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) to identify various hidden metallic and non-metallic threats, as well as prohibited items.
Millimeter wave technology is a form of wireless communication that operates within the frequency range of 30 to 300 gigahertz. It uses very short wavelengths to transmit large amounts of data and is commonly used in applications such as high-speed wireless internet, radar systems and security screening.
Unlike weapon detection technology, Hexwave doesn’t require passengers to remove everyday items during screening. The system employs a walkthrough portal that is high-throughput and contactless, enabling swift and automated screening. It can detect substances like liquid, powder and plastic explosives, as well as 3D printed ghost guns and other current threats that conventional metal detectors cannot identify.
Read more: Liberty Defense Holdings security detection portal beta test goes live at Pearson International
Read more: Liberty Defense advanced screening system to be tested at Los Angeles International Airport
Flexibility allows for easy deployment and movement
Pearson became the first Canadian airport to test the Hexwave walkthrough security detection portal in November. The airport conducted voluntary screening in various areas, including an employee section and a location at the airport perimeter, which included an entrance from the terminal parking garage. The company utilized the beta site to conduct further testing and adjustments to the system and its algorithms.
“We plan to roll out the use of HEXWAVE in the second half of this year, working with airport stakeholders to assess the best locations to provide enhanced security and an improved screening experience in non-traditional areas of the airport,” said Dwayne MacIntosh, director, corporate safety and security for GTAA.
The technology uses advanced 3D imaging technology that captures a vast amount of detailed data, consisting of over 400,000 Voxels (3D volume pixels). This rich data, combined with AI technology, enables accurate detection of various threats.
The system operates at video-rate speed, allowing it to process crowds in real-time and handle multiple entry points simultaneously. It’s therefore capable of detecting both traditional and improvised weapons.
“The flexibility of the HEXWAVE allows the GTAA to quickly deploy and move the HEXWAVE to areas inside and outside the airport,” said Bill Frain, CEO of Liberty Defense.
“We are thrilled to work with them on their continued aviation industry innovation.”
Most of the companies operating in this sector are privately held, such as Teledyne FLIR and Rapiscan Systems, but a few publicly traded companies include L3Harris Technologies (NYSE: LHX) and Leidos (NYSE: LDOS).
.
