In a perfect world, our bodies and belongings wouldn’t need to be scrutinized at slow-moving security checkpoints every time we travel or attend events. However, the reality of threats posed by smugglers and terrorists makes security checks a necessity.
Israeli company SeeTrue is addressing this issue with its AI-based automatic threat-detection technology, which is currently deployed at over 100 checkpoints across about 10 countries.
Assaf Frenkel, cofounder and CEO of SeeTrue, stated, ‘In 2024, we’ve stopped around 3 million prohibited items from getting aboard planes and into venues.’ While some of these items were harmless, such as water bottles, SeeTrue’s technology has also detected various dangerous and smuggled goods.
Miltos Miltiadous, COO of Hermes Airports in Cyprus, commented, ‘With the SeeTrue AI technology, we have observed higher passenger throughputs and streamlined the security screening process.’ He noted that the system has improved security efficiency by approximately 15 percent and enhanced passenger convenience, as fewer travelers need to remove items from their luggage.
Addressing Internal Threats
Frenkel shared a concerning incident involving a security worker who turned off her surveillance camera, allowing a smuggler to pass through. SeeTrue’s system identified contraband gold in the suitcase and triggered an alert to the security personnel. The smuggler and the accomplice were subsequently arrested.
The concept behind SeeTrue originated from a recognition of the potential for collusion between airport personnel and travelers. Founder Avihood Ben-Ari initially shelved the idea due to the challenges of addressing internal threats with outdated technology. However, the advancements in artificial intelligence revitalized the concept in 2018.
The Challenges of Security Screening
Long security lines and staff burnout are significant pain points in airport security. Frenkel explained, ‘There is a detection problem and it’s very labor intensive and expensive.’ AI can enhance this process by efficiently executing detail-centric tasks.
Traditional X-ray scans often struggle to differentiate between similar objects, like zippers and bullets. The algorithms developed by SeeTrue can accurately assess suspicious items, even if they are altered.
According to Frenkel, ‘Our technology is developed to look for items in chaotic environments, proving to outperform competitors in safety and efficiency.’
On-the-Ground Implementation
Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has adopted SeeTrue’s technology to enhance security for thousands of employees entering daily. Frenkel noted, ‘They care about their employee experience and want their daily entry to be seamless while providing maximum security.’
The US Department of Homeland Security has also demonstrated SeeTrue’s technology at an Innovation Checkpoint, showing its capability to integrate with existing scanning systems.
Although primarily utilized in airports, SeeTrue’s solutions are also employed in urban environments, including mass transit stations, stadiums, malls, and courthouses.
With a team of about 80 people based in Tel Aviv and offices in the US, UK, and Amsterdam, SeeTrue continues to drive innovation in airport security. For further information, visit here.
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- Airport Security
- SeeTrue
- Threat Detection