The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is piloting a program that will apply automation to airport security screening to move lines faster. The agency selected Pangiam, which partnered with Google Cloud to develop an AI-driven solution for the travel industry, as the technology provider for the test. The pilot will enable the TSA to analyze huge amounts of data in real time to identify prohibited items in carry-on baggage.
The agency will begin testing the technology at the TSA System Integration Facility (TSIF) at Regan International Airport in Washington, D.C. TSIF is a 128,000 square foot facility at Reagan International that was the former site of a U.S. Post Office facility. TSA has been testing new technologies at the facility since it opened in 2009.
“As TSA and other security agencies adopt 3D Computed Tomography (CT), this application of AI represents a potentially transformative leap in aviation security, making air travel safer and more consistent, while allowing TSA’s highly trained officers to focus on bags that pose the greatest risk,” said Alexis Long, product director at Pangiam. “Our aim is to utilize AI and computer vision technologies to enhance security by providing TSA and security officers with powerful tools to detect prohibitive items that may pose a threat to aviation security is a significant step toward setting a new security standard with worldwide implications.”