Travellers entering or leaving the United States may not have to take their shoes off anymore as they encounter new security technologies looking to improve threat detection capabilities while providing a better customer experience.
On Tuesday, Liberty Defense Holdings Ltd. (TSXV: SCAN) (OTCQB: LDDFF) (FWB: LD2A) announced it has received$175,000 in additional funding from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), bringing the total allotment under this contract to $1.9 million, to enhance the development of a High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) upgrade kit for testing on passenger screening systems.
The scanner ensures private and safe detection of concealed threats beneath clothing while allowing passengers to maintain an arms-down stance. This technology can be seamlessly integrated into existing security infrastructures worldwide or deployed as part of new security systems.
In addition, Liberty Defense’s footwear screener automates threat detection without requiring passengers to remove their shoes. Built on advanced imaging technology (AIT), it can be easily incorporated into existing AIT systems or operate as a standalone unit. This innovation addresses a longstanding and inconvenient issue at checkpoints, enhancing the overall security screening process.
“We continue to work closely with TSA on this critical initiative to help develop the next generation of passenger screening,” said Liberty CEO Bill Frain.
“The upgrade kit will provide future state capability at the checkpoint, with the focus on detecting more threats and providing an overall better experience for the traveling public.”
The TSA is in charge of conducting security screening for airline passengers at U.S. airports. The TSA’s On-Person Screening initiative aims to identify an expanding array of threats while minimizing false alarms and reducing physical interactions with travellers.
In a follow-up email, Frain elaborated that he couldn’t necessarily speak to specific threats, but said that the HD-AIT upgrade kit was intended to satisfy the future detection performance standard at the airport checkpoint. This improves the overall detection capability while reducing the rate of false alarms.
“This results in increased passenger throughput and reduces the touch time for airport agents with passengers, both contributing to an improved traveler experience. Another advantage of the upgrade is that it can be completed within 4 hours so it will not be a disruption to the checkpoint operations,” Frain said.
In March 2021, Liberty Defense had acquired licenses for the body scanner and shoe screener technologies, both based on millimeter-wave technology.
These innovations originated from the research efforts of scientists at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). It also received USD $1.75 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate on behalf of the TSA to develop the prototype.
Liberty is currently advancing the development of these technologies internally.
Read more: Evolv Technology uses artificial intelligence to enhance gun detection software
Read more: Liberty Defense advanced screening system to be tested at Los Angeles International Airport
High demand driven by evolving security needs
The high demand for products like Liberty’s is driven by a combination of evolving security needs, technological advancements, regulatory requirements and the desire to enhance both security and the passenger experience in the context of air travel.
In this evolving market, several other companies are capitalizing on the opportunity. Xtract One Technologies (TSX: XTRA) (OTCQX: XTRAF) (FRA: 0PL) offers SmartGateway and SafeGateway, unobtrusive weapon detection gateways that cater to the security needs of the industry. Another player, Evolv Technology (NASDAQ: EVLV), introduces Omnilert Gun Detect, a cutting-edge AI software designed for rapid firearm detection, capable of identifying firearms within a matter of seconds.
Shares rose by 5.9 per cent to $0.18 on Tuesday on the TSX Venture Exchange.
.
Follow Joseph Morton on Twitter
joseph@mugglehead.com
