Port Tampa Bay to test new AI-powered weapons detection system

Port Tampa Bay will test new security scanners. No stopping to empty pockets or remove shoes with this one.

PortandTerminal.com, October 29, 2019

TAMPA, FL — A new weapons detection system is planned to be tested at Port Tampa Bay.

Liberty Defense Ltd., a security company, has signed an agreement with Port Tampa Bay. Liberty Defense’s security system, HEXWAVE, uses low power, radar imaging and artificial intelligence to detect and identify weapons. HEXWAVE can be used both indoors and outdoors and detect both metallic and non-metallic weapons, according to a spokesperson for Liberty Defense.

Liberty Defense said on its press release that HEXWAVE has the ability to detect threats at the perimeter of the property “without obstructing the movement of large groups of people.”

*HEXWAVE uses active 3D imaging technology and machine learning to scan crowds for weapons without the need for dedicated security checkpoints*

One other example of where the system is being tested is at sports stadiums. Like a cruise terminal, sports stadiums welcome thousands of people in short time intervals who must all be screened in an efficient and ideally, non-intrusive manner.

The detection system does not collect any personally identifiable information, which protects the privacy of individuals, Liberty Defense’s spokesperson said.

Port Tampa is planning on testing the system in the coming months.

Port Tampa Bay President and CEO Paul Anderson said the partnership will help the port stay ahead of potential threats.

*Port Tampa Bay is a major cruise port having recently celebrated over 1 million annual passengers, a record for the port*

“Having recently celebrated over one million cruise ship passengers in one fiscal year for the first time in our history, its imperative that we continue to seek opportunities to evaluate technologies like those developed by Liberty Defense.,” Anderson said in a press release. “The potential of HEXWAVE’s high throughput is very appealing to us because it provides a new way to strengthen our security posture and ensure the safety of all passengers without slowing down the flow of visitor traffic. “

Port Tampa Bay is the largest port in the state, welcoming both cruise lines and cargo vessels.