The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) has announced a pilot program utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) technology to monitor for and alert security officials to brandished firearms.

A 12-month, $200,000 contract has been awarded to ZeroEyes, an AI gun detection software, for monitoring multiple cameras across the rail system. ZeroEyes’ technology is already operational in various locations including Navy Pier, school districts, businesses, government facilities, and military bases.

CTA President Dorval R. Carter Jr. stated, “Instances of crime on the system are comparatively rare, and the CTA is proud to provide safe and reliable transportation to roughly 1 million riders a day. Our hope is this added measure of protection provides additional peace of mind to everyone.”

ZeroEyes employs existing security cameras within the CTA rail system, utilizing situational awareness software based on advanced machine learning AI and computer vision to detect visible firearms, without using facial identification technology.

Once a firearm is detected, an image is sent to ZeroEyes for human verification by a team of military and law enforcement veterans. Upon confirmation, the Chicago Police Department and CTA officials are notified with the image and location of the firearm. This verification process typically takes less than a minute.