Cardiff Airport is testing a new type of airport scanner that could potentially reduce security wait times.
Travelers walk through the sensitive scanner made with sensors originally designed to detect astronomical activity in deep space. The scanner then uses the human body as a source of light to spot hidden objects that appear as shadows. With a heat signal, the system is also able to tell the difference between items like a mobile phone and a gun.
As a walk-through system, travelers wouldn't be required to take off their jackets or shoes or remove items from their pockets, thus allowing passengers to move through security much quicker.
The scanner was a joint creation between Cardiff University and QMC Instruments called Sequestim.
Ken Wood, sales and marketing director of Sequestim, said, "Passenger numbers are expected to double in 20 years, putting airport security facilities under immense pressure."
"Our scanner combines a number of world-leading technologies developed by our team here in the UK. It uses the human body as a source of 'light', in contrast with existing scanners which process reflected and scattered millimetre-waves while the passenger is required to strike a pose."
"Our system only needs a few seconds to do its work. Passengers walking normally through security would no longer need to take off coats and jackets, or remove personal items such as phones."
The scanner will be trialed by invitation only at Cardiff Airport from December 4-7th.
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