Next in line?

Smiths Detection’s Hans Joachim Schöpe considers what might come next for security checkpoints at airports.

The evolution of airport security checkpoints reflects the growing complexities of global travel and the continuous effort to balance passenger safety with operational efficiency.

Indeed, ever evolving threats in an increasingly interconnected world has necessitated the development of more sophisticated detection technologies.

Computed tomography (CT) scanners are already in use all over the world and are well placed to stay ahead of threats with superior material analysis and smart learning algorithms, which aid automatic detection.

As the volume of air travel continues to increase, the integration of biometric technology into checkpoint systems looks to further enhance efficiency and security. These advancements will collectively redefine the landscape of security screening, ensuring a safer and more streamlined experience for travellers.

At Smiths Detection, we want to help make the world a safer place and as such our goal is simple – to provide the security, peace of mind and freedom of movement upon which the world depends.

Hassle-free travel: leaving liquids and laptops in the bag

In the airport passenger journey, the security screening process is often seen as one of the most congested stages, although this will improve with the widespread adoption of CT technology that no longer requires passengers to remove electronics and liquids from their bags at checkpoints.

Next-generation CT screening systems combine advanced detection capabilities with AI-powered automatic detection of explosives and object recognition, ensuring the ability to combat current and evolving threats.

Diffraction: shaping the future of threat detection

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is poised to revolutionise security screening due to its non-invasive detection capabilities and superior level of material analysis and substance identification.

XRD is able to respond to the growing complexity of threats that are increasingly challenging to detect. One of the primary advantages of XRD lies in its ability to automatically identify crystalline materials, making it particularly effective in detecting a broad range of narcotics, explosives, and other dangerous substances.

For airports, XRD would represent a leap forward in non-invasive, automatic threat detection, significantly improving the speed and accuracy of screenings due to its ability to discriminate materials based on their molecular structure.

Its ability to identify new compounds, including those mixed with other materials, addresses one of the core challenges in modern security, ensures it is future-proofed against emerging threats, and brings false alarm rates down even further.

XRD, when integrated with CT scanning, would offer a highly advanced and efficient solution. CT focuses on detecting suspicious items based on their density and XRD leverages electromagnetic wave interference, creating a “diffraction fingerprint” to distinguish between materials, even those with similar densities.

An evolving synergy between CT and XRD technologies ensures that security screening will continue to meet the high standards demanded by increasingly sophisticated global security challenges.

Multiplexing: revolutionising real-time security monitoring

To further advance X-ray technology, multiplexing images offer the potential to significantly improve efficiency.

By delivering images from all security lanes to the first available analyst, located centrally and away from the checkpoint, this approach provides a range of operational advantages. It allows for greater flexibility in adjusting the ratio of operators to lanes and reallocating staff to accommodate fluctuations in demand.

Teams can be redeployed to different locations, airports, or even internationally, as needed.

A key benefit of centralised image evaluation is the ability to multiplex images. Multiplexing enables a flexible operator-to-lane ratio, optimising resources to meet changing demand patterns and specific operational requirements. X-ray images taken from across the airport are sent to analysts based away from the checkpoints, where they are reviewed by the first available person.

Multiple images can be analysed simultaneously by different analysts, eliminating the need to pause conveyors during inspections and ensuring maximum equipment utilisation.

Artificial intelligence: already taking off

Artificial intelligence (AI) is already demonstrating its ability to provide more efficient, adaptable, and reliable systems.

AI, through its advanced algorithms and machine learning, will play an increasingly crucial role in enhancing threat detection at checkpoints by improving the accuracy and reliability of X-ray screening systems.

Our object recognition software, iCMORE, uses AI and advanced detection algorithms to reduce the burden on operators – and potential errors – by automating the detection process for suspicious items.

Advances in AI based algorithms have enabled the real-time, automatic identification of a fast-growing list of prohibited items ranging from weapons and ammunition to lithium batteries. By framing any suspect items, image analysts can make faster, more accurate decisions which increases both security levels and efficiency.

AI algorithms are trained on thousands of real and synthetic images, allowing them to recognise patterns and detect threats more effectively than traditional human-operated systems.

The integration of AI into checkpoint security has multiple benefits, including reduced human error, lower false alarm rates, and a faster screening process.

Automated prohibited item detection systems (APIDS) and Explosive Detection Systems (EDS) demonstrate how AI is being used to enhance safety by detecting a wide range of threats from X-ray images. These systems not only enhance security but also streamline operations by supporting image analysts, reducing their workload, and minimising the decision-making burden on operators.

In the short-term these algorithms will be used to assist operators by drawing a frame around detected items, increasing efficiency and security levels. These intelligent algorithms are also central to the ongoing move towards further automation and alarm-only viewing at the passenger checkpoint.

Collaborative tech: enhancing security through open architecture

Open architecture in essence, refers to a design approach that promotes interoperability, flexibility, and collaboration among different components or systems and it is gathering momentum across industries.

A key advantage of open architecture is the ease with which components and technologies may be added, upgraded, and swapped within a system.

Naturally, complex structures such as this, which incorporate technology from diverse suppliers, require a level of standardisation. This is why it is crucial to develop common data formats and lucid oversight mechanisms. Not only do these improve the ease-of-use of open architecture-based systems, but they provide assurance on aspects such as technical standards, certification, and liability.

Open architecture therefore adds another layer to the future of checkpoint security by creating a framework where hardware, software, and algorithms from various suppliers can work together seamlessly. This means that airports can incorporate the best available technology to meet evolving security challenges.

Biometrics: fast-track security with a single look

Biometric systems, which include fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition technologies, offer a high level of accuracy in identity verification, essential for maintaining safety in an increasingly interconnected world.

Hundreds of airports globally already have biometric identification of some sort in place and adoption is increasing as passenger numbers rise and the need for even more efficient security grows.

We believe that we are leading the way by integrating biometric technology into checkpoint solutions at airports, allowing for risk-based screening practices that streamline the passenger journey. This integration not only enhances security but also improves operational efficiency, as real-time risk assessments can be conducted, reducing wait times and increasing passenger satisfaction.

For instance, matching passengers with their trays at security checkpoints can facilitate seamless transitions through border control while sharing screening results with transit or arrival airports.

As more airports implement biometric systems, the confidence in these technologies is expected to rise, paving the way for a future where biometric identification not only enhances security but also revolutionise the travel experience, making it more convenient and efficient.

Shaping safer skies: the future of airport security innovation

As airports embrace technological advancements, security processes will become faster, more accurate, and less intrusive.

The growing shift towards contactless, automated solutions – driven by the need for efficiency – will continue to reshape airport security.

As new threats emerge, security technologies and protocols will adapt, ensuring airports become safer, smarter, and better equipped to meet the demands of modern air travel.