The Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) has signed a collaboration agreement with Liberty Defense to beta test the company’s HEXWAVE weapons detection system.
GTAA operates Toronto Pearson International Airport which is Canada’s largest airport facility, welcoming 49.5 million passengers in 2018 alone. Toronto Pearson will be the first airport to test HEXWAVE.
The system uses 3D radar imaging and artificial intelligence, primarily to detect and identify weapons, as well as other threats and anomalies. It enables security teams to detect these threats at the perimeter of a property without obstructing the movement of large groups of people.
“It is not our intention to replace the existing security measures in airports, but to extend the security perimeter of aviation facilities by providing security between the curb and airport gate, which is a great example of how a layered defense approach can be implemented,” said Bill Riker, CEO of Liberty Defense. “Furthermore, HEXWAVE’s ability to operate in both indoor and outdoor environments further enables the security parameter be expanded, in combination with its modular and scalable design, which will help make transportation infrastructure, such as airports, safer.”
Dwayne Macintosh, Director of Corporate Safety and Security for the GTAA said the airports authority is committed to a proactive security philosophy that stays ahead of emerging threats. “We track emerging technologies with the goal of balancing our operational security needs with overall customer service to make moving through Toronto Pearson a positive experience.”
“HEXWAVE caught my attention with its capability to detect both metallic and non-metallic objects and the flexibility for its deployment across the airport. We work with our partners to evaluate their products and evaluate how they can complement our operational reality. We’re excited to work with Liberty Defense to see how we can make HEXWAVE a success at Toronto Pearson” added Macintosh.
This beta testing phase is a key part of HEXWAVE’s development process. Testing the system in operational and diverse facilities can help to ensure that it is aligned to market requirements. Beta testing is expected to begin later in 2019 and progress into 2020. Liberty will also beta test HEXWAVE at FC Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany, Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Maryland Stadium Authority’s Camden Yards Complex, in the state of Utah, with the Virginia Division of Capitol Police, in Sleiman shopping centers, in a Hindu temple, and in the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.
