Several countries have now started imposing strict regulations over the emigration check to ban the passengers carrying computers on international flights. The reasons behind this expansion of passenger screening are the electronics and intelligence threats that have been forming in the Middle East. Bombs developed by terrorists are reportedly coming in the guise of such devices and have been posing risks to the aviation industry and the other people planning to fly. Security measures are ensured on a higher level nowadays due to the potential threat such devices are bringing into the picture. Sophisticated screening equipment and hardened cockpits have been added to search every passenger for all that they are carrying.
Most of the security systems have been complacent for its flawless operation. With the current issues and the potential threats in future, there is a need for a robust system. More emerging technologies have to be incorporated into physical security to augment surveillance and screening, consequently, upgrading the entire system to stay impregnable. Some of the organizations have invested in the research and development of prototypes of new technologies. Let us have a look at 5 such emerging techs that can be employed to improve the security at train stations, airports, bus stations, and other transportation locations.
1. Data Analytics
This is considered as the most sophisticated technology employed by the transportation security systems to gather intelligence on passengers and check all irregular activities and no-fly lists. Innovations in software applications and computation have been growing exponentially along with the scope of data analytics. Forensic and predictive capabilities can be enhanced by incorporating artificial intelligence into surveillance and intelligence activities.
2. Computed Tomography Scanning
CT has deployed automated scanning with its growth in the field of medicine, and it has evolved over the years. 3D, high definition scans can be produced using improved algorithms. Detection of explosives and other ammunition is easier with CT since it collects more data than the x-ray machines. False alarms are less likely to be created by CT, and also it allows only a low number of screener interventions by humans.
3. Biometrics
This is an important technology to ensure future safety since it includes the ability to recognize the faces of the potential terrorists on watch lists. It could also capture data about fingerprint and iris identity of travelers. Many of the airports are now employing this technology to detect the passengers of each flight. New technologies are being tested by including the behavioral sensors to measure any form of hostile nature in the passengers.
4. Screening at Speed Technology
Most of the transportation hubs have employed the technology of having the passengers to walk through the screening zone to detect any illegal items they are carrying. The new technologies are expected to function without having to put passengers through the hassle of removing their shoes, belts, and such accessories before walking over for detection. An automatic threat recognition software is expected to take over the airports soon to find out the objects in the baggage and what the passenger is carrying easily.