Self-service Screening Systems to Be Launched at Airports
The airport experience is about to get a lot smoother, thanks to the upcoming introduction of self-service screening systems. These systems are set to be implemented in the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada in January.
Improving Airport Efficiency and Passenger Experience
As air travel resumes full speed ahead of pre-pandemic levels, the Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is committed to making processes more efficient and passenger-friendly. In this pursuit, S&T is developing self-service screening systems which will allow passengers to complete their security screening process with little or no assistance from security officials.
Dr John Fortune, the Program Manager of Screening at Speed, likened the system to self-ordering kiosks at restaurants and expressed optimistic feedback from mock passengers and security personnel thus far.
Investments in the Future of Air Travel
Several organizations including S&T, the Transportation Security Laboratory, and the Transportation Security Administration are determined to expand their research and development for a more streamlined return to air travel. The feasibility and effectiveness of these self-service screening systems are currently being explored.
Contracting Companies for Development and Testing
In late 2021, contracts were awarded to Micro-X, Vanderlande Industries, and Voxel Radar for the development of self-screening systems that meet the rigorous standards of aviation security. These companies are entrusted with creating innovative solutions that facilitate new screening norms.
Futuristic Approach to Airport Screening
Each company is uniquely approaching the task. Micro-X is developing individual screening consoles featuring a compact system for screening carry-on luggage and passengers. On the other hand, Voxel Radar is innovating an in-motion sensor to screen passengers simultaneously while they remove their belongings, potentially to be utilized as they move through the checkpoint.
Vanderlande has developed a prototype with integrated screening stations that provide automated assistance for the passenger throughout the screening process, making for a swift, smooth, and hassle-free experience.
Testing the Systems
The Vanderlande prototype is already installed and tested at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. By simulating real-world conditions, TSA was able to evaluate the efficiency of the system.
The Future of Self-Service Screening
Coming this January, PreCheck® travelers at Harry Reid International Airport will get first-hand experience using the Vanderlande self-service prototype. A virtual reality presentation of Micro-X's self-screening system is also being planned for the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. The objective is to have multiple self-service screening pods integrated seamlessly into one full lane, accommodating several travelers simultaneously, by 2025.
In closing, Dr. Fortune said, “We are privileged to partner with TSA to build groundbreaking technology and solutions which are passenger-focused and forward-leaning. We look forward to building the airport of the future with self-service screening.”