The Transportation Security Administration is launching the pilot phase of an autonomous self-screening checkpoint system. Unveiled earlier this week and scheduled to officially open on March 11 at Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, the station resembles grocery store self-checkout kiosks—but instead of scanning milk and eggs, you’re expected to…scan yourself to ensure you aren’t a threat. Or at least that’s what it seems from the looks of it.
“We are constantly looking at innovative ways to enhance the passenger experience, while also improving security,” TSA Administrator David Pekoske said on Wednesday, claiming “trusted travelers” will be able to complete screenings “at their own pace.”
For now, the prototype station is only available to TSA PreCheck travelers. Although it’s possible additional passengers could use similar self-scan options in the future, depending on the prototype’s success. Upon reaching the Las Vegas airport’s “TSA Innovation Checkpoint,” users will see something similar to the standard security checks alongside the addition of a camera-enabled video screen. TSA agents are still nearby, but they won’t directly interact with passengers unless they request assistance, which may also take the form of a virtual agent popping up on the video screen.
The new self-guided station’s X-ray machines function similarly to standard checkpoints, while its automated conveyor belts feed all luggage into a more sensitive detection system. That latter tech, however, sounds a little overly cautious at the moment. In a recent CBS News video segment, items as small as a passenger’s hair clips triggered the alarm. That said, the station is designed to allow “self-resolution” in such situations to “reduce instances where a pat-down or…
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