Academia-Industry Deep Learning Partnership for Airport Security

Academia-Industry Deep Learning Partnership for Airport Security

deep learning

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A deep learning digital solution project to advance airport checkpoint x-ray system screening capabilities has been announced. Smiths Detection Inc. (SDI) will partner with the Duke University Edmund School of Engineering, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, in the project.

According to businesswire.com, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has entered into a contract with Duke University for this deep learning initiative to refine and apply state-of-the-art machine learning techniques in the security space. In this case, Duke and SDI will partner to apply the deep learning methodology to enhance the capabilities of checkpoint x-ray systems.

Dan Gelston, President of SDI, explained: “We must continue our effort to invest in digital solutions to remain at the forefront of technology. This partnership, combined with our focus on innovation and experience in threat detection, leads the security industry in developing of state-of-the-art methods to help keep the world a safe place.”

The leading researchers for this effort will be Professor Lawrence Carin at Duke University and Dr. Kristofer Roe of Smiths Detection Inc. Professor Carin has more than 27 years of experience and is also the Vice head of Research for Duke. Dr. Roe, currently Director of R&D Imaging for SDI, is responsible for imaging technology research and development in the areas of screening and aviation security. Dr. Roe also has experience as the principal investigator of the Checked Baggage Program with TSA.

Smiths Detection, part of Smiths Group, is a company at the forefront of threat detection and screening technologies. SDI has worked with the military, air transportation, homeland security and emergency services. The group’s long history of over 40 years, is an advantage in providing provide high levels of expertise to detect and identify constantly changing chemical, radiological, nuclear and explosive threats.