Self-Screening at the Airport? Co. with U.S. Headquarters in Marietta Wins Major Contract

Is this the future of airport security? Ever since the pandemic began, most industries have been driven to make their services even more efficient, clean and fast. This has brought great investment in technology to increase automation, drive innovation and reimagine what used to be taken for granted. This applies especially to the airport and airline industries, which have faced tricky challenges throughout all stages of the pandemic, from elevated health measures to complicated travel restrictions to limited staffing.

That’s why the Netherland-based Vanderlande Industries, a material handling and logistics automation company with its U.S. headquarters right here in Marietta, is reimagining airport automation to better accommodate fliers in this ever-changing environment.

The company just won a $2.5 million contract with the Department of Homeland Security to develop a brand-new TSA PreCheck concept at airports. Similar to self-checkout at grocery stores, this technology will allow passengers to “self-screen” themselves at security. Though it may sound counterintuitive, this automated checkpoint could bring greater security, reduced wait times and a more pleasant experience for trusted travelers—without sacrificing safety measures.

Vanderlande says the self-screening concept features a virtual assistant walking travelers through an instructional video explaining how to screen their items and includes remote agent support available via video call. The passenger would also still go through a body scanner and be alerted if any additional screening is needed.

A prototype of the new concept will go through several stages of evaluation and testing with DHS to determine whether it’s viable to roll out at airports across the country. So, if the technology is successful, you may see it at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport one day!