Thursday, March 7, 2024
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) together with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) recently introduced a cutting-edge checkpoint technology, a self-service screening system, at the Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas. Beginning in mid-March, TSA PreCheck® passengers at TSA’s Innovation Checkpoint will have the first opportunity to try out this new system as part of its initial testing phase. This self-screening lane adheres to the same strict screening standards and rules as traditional TSA PreCheck lanes.
This innovative system, conceived and developed by TSA and S&T, underwent initial testing and refinement in a laboratory at the TSA Systems Integration Facility in Arlington, Virginia. It features a video monitor that guides passengers through the screening process at their own pace. After successfully completing the screening, automated exit doors allow passengers to collect their items and proceed to their departure gates. While Transportation Security Officers (TSO) provide limited assistance, they are on hand to help and ensure passengers using the self-screening lane comply with security protocols. The system aims to facilitate a largely independent screening experience, enabling passengers to manage any alarms that may arise, thereby minimizing the need for physical pat-downs or secondary screening.
“We are constantly looking at innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience, while also improving security,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. “This self-service prototype allows our trusted travelers to complete the screening process at their own pace. Testing at the Innovation Checkpoint in Las Vegas gives us an opportunity to collect valuable user data and insights, and explore opportunities to apply parts of the prototype to other airport security checkpoints. I am grateful for our partners in S&T and LAS airport, who were critical in bringing this vision to reality.”
Throughout the live checkpoint testing period, TSA will gather feedback and performance data on various aspects of the system, including design, cybersecurity, and user interaction, to refine future designs and development. This feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the design and practicality of subsequent versions.
In the latter part of 2021, S&T awarded contracts to three firms for the creation of self-screening concepts, prototypes, and equipment. The prototype at the Las Vegas airport is the first among these to advance beyond lab testing. Other prototypes are still under development and will undergo laboratory evaluations shortly for potential future operational testing.
“The number of airline passengers continues to increase year-over-year, creating a need for innovative screening solutions that enhance transportation security and make traveling more efficient,” said DHS Under Secretary for Science and Technology Dr. Dimitri Kusnezov. “At S&T, we are pushing the envelope with new technologies and concepts toward designing the airport of the future. Self-paced screening is one step toward building that future.”
Before making decisions on the broader deployment of this prototype across more checkpoint lanes or airports, TSA and S&T will thoroughly analyze the outcomes of this pilot study to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of scaling up the technology.
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
