Automated Screening Lanes and Self‑Screening Units
New conveyor‑belt lanes with larger bins have been rolled out at major hubs such as BWI, allowing multiple bags to be X‑rayed simultaneously. The system automatically diverts flagged bags for secondary inspection, reducing line wait times.
In early 2024 Las Vegas tested the PAX MX2 self‑screening kiosk, which guides passengers through a step‑by‑step process and uses facial recognition to verify identity before the traveler steps into the body scanner.
- Higher throughput during peak periods
- Reduced manual handling of bags
- Potential for full self‑service checkpoints
Contactless Pat‑Down with Wearable Sensor Technology
The Department of Homeland Security’s Wearable Sensor for Contactless Physical Assessment project envisions a haptic glove‑like device equipped with cameras, millimeter‑wave scanners, LiDAR and backscatter X‑ray sensors. Officers would receive tactile feedback that mimics a physical pat‑down without touching the traveler.
- Improves passenger comfort and privacy
- Maintains detection effectiveness
- Enables remote or automated inspections
Computed Tomography (CT) for 3‑D Baggage Imaging
CT scanners create rotatable 3‑D images of carry‑on bags, allowing sophisticated algorithms to flag explosives and other threats. Deployed at airports like JFK and Dulles since 2018, the technology replaces the older 2‑D X‑ray view.
- Better threat detection through volumetric analysis
- Faster decision‑making for agents
- Supports automated threat‑recognition software
HEXWAVE 3‑D Radar Imaging and AI
Liberty Defense’s HEXWAVE uses low‑power 3‑D radar combined with AI to generate instant body images of multiple passengers simultaneously. Tested in PreCheck lanes and considered as a replacement for metal detectors, it can also satisfy the TSA employee‑screening mandate.
- Simultaneous scanning of several travelers
- Detects both metallic and non‑metallic weapons
- Applicable to other crowded venues
TSA ConfirmID and Touchless Facial Recognition
Effective February 1 2026, ConfirmID lets travelers without a standard ID pay a $45 fee to verify their identity online. The system issues a receipt that triggers biometric and facial‑recognition checks at the checkpoint. Combined with the new Touchless ID feature for PreCheck members, passengers can move through security without presenting a physical document.
- Provides a safety net for ID‑less travelers
- Streamlines identity verification with biometrics
- Reduces paperwork and manual checks