Hand luggage checks at airports are often time-consuming. Each passenger must present liquids separately, unpack electronic devices, and remove metal objects. Even minor ambiguities on the X-ray image mean that the piece of luggage has to be meticulously checked. Frankfurt am Main (Fraport) is now the first airport in Europe to use innovative software in regular operation that uses artificial intelligence to detect items that are prohibited in hand luggage: the Automated Prohibited Item Detection System (APIDS).
The new system assists aviation security personnel in evaluating X-ray images. It is used on over 50 CT scanners from Smiths Detection in all terminals. It was previously tested extensively during a trial phase.
The software is designed to support security service providers. It is intended to enable more precise, faster, and more efficient checks and lead to even greater security. The final decision on how to deal with suspicious items is not made by APIDS, but always by the screening staff themselves. (Source: Fraport)