Cutting-edge security technology could mean passengers see
shorter queues and faster, more effective airport screening
processes.
Eight projects have been awarded £1.8 million in government
funding to develop innovative technology, which has the potential
to bolster airport security while also speeding up the screening
process for passengers.
The projects all apply novel approaches to aviation security
which have the potential to improve threat detection
capabilities. In addition to improving security, some of the
projects have the potential to reduce the length of time
passengers spend undergoing security checks.
One of the successful recipients of the funding is a small team
based in Derbyshire, Security Screening Technologies, whose
project uses sophisticated imaging to scan shoes for explosive
materials.
The step-on shoe scanner being developed by the company can
rapidly form high-contrast images of footwear which can then be
analysed by computers that have been ‘taught’ to recognise
threats. Any shoes which are flagged as having areas of concern
could then undergo secondary screening.
The project could ultimately mean that passengers would no longer
need to remove their shoes before going through airport central
search, leading to reduced queuing times and a more
customer-friendly experience.
Aviation Minister said:
This latest £1.8 million of funding invests in innovative
projects that will ensure we are continuing to capitalise on
pioneering research. The aim is to have a safer and smoother
travel experience for air passengers.
The safety of people travelling on all modes of transport is
our top priority and the Future Aviation Security Solutions
programme is just one example of the huge importance we place
on the security of passengers.
We have a proud history of the early adoption and use of
cutting edge technology and this programme is helping to ensure
we continue to lead the way in airport security.
The funding is part of the 5-year Future Aviation Security
Solutions (FASS)programme, a
multi-million pound initiative which seeks new solutions to
strengthen aviation security.
It will go towards supporting a range of projects with pioneering
ideas to reduce security threats in airports. These include the
use of electromagnetic imaging to detect items of concern in
luggage, filtering samples of gas taken from cargo containers to
test for explosives, and using machine learning techniques to
identify threats on people and in bags.
A joint Department for Transport and Home Office
programme, FASS works
closely with industry to fund research and encourage innovation.
Security Minister, said:
We are determined to harness the power of innovation and this
ambitious programme will help us continue to use the best
technologies as part of our aviation security.
Our work in this area is just one example of how the government
is supporting industry, academia and small enterprises to
improve our resilience and strengthen our defences against
terrorism.
Another of the successful recipients of the funding is a team
based in Wales called Sequestim who have designed an alternative
walk-through people screening system. State of the art technology
within the device could reduce the need for manual checks and
mean passengers do not have to remove outer clothing.
The project could also benefit passengers by speeding up the
screening process and reducing the risk of false alarms which can
cause disruption to passengers and screening processes.
As passengers move past a highly-sensitive camera, the natural
radiation from their bodies is measured and turned in to an
image. Computer learning can be applied to detect the presence of
any threat the passenger may be carrying.
Each project team will have 12 months to develop their technology
into a fully functioning prototype that could be trialled at
airports.
