The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has awarded a $1.7 million contract to technology provider Liberty Defense for the development of a prototype High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) upgrade kit for testing on an Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) passenger screening system.
The HD-AIT next-generation people screening technology platform for threat detection uses high-definition imaging and artificial intelligence (AI), resulting in greater detection, with a lower false alarm rate for a better passenger experience.
TSA’s On-Person Screening programme aims to detect a growing range of threats, with fewer false alarms and less physical contact. In addition to enhanced detection, the HD-AIT body scanners are anticipated to help improve passenger experience and move people through the checkpoint more seamlessly.
“We are excited to partner with TSA on this critical initiative to help develop the next generation of passenger screening,” says Liberty CEO Bill Frain. “Liberty shares the same mission as TSA for On-Person Screening and deploying future state capability, with the focus on detecting more threats and providing an overall better experience for the traveling public.”
Liberty previously licensed a millimetre wave-based, High-Definition Advanced Imaging Technology (HD-AIT) body scanner, and a shoe screener technology in March of 2021. Both technologies were developed by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration mission. Liberty is now developing the technology in-house with its experienced team of engineers.
