Glasgow and Aberdeen Airports will test a new airport security system that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect prohibited items.

Project DARTMOUTH will be run by authentication and security tech company Pangiam in collaboration with Google Cloud.

The system will combine Pangiam’s security technologies with Google Cloud’s AI and machine learning computer vision tools, such as its Vertex AI Platform. This will help airport security detect threats concealed within baggage and other shipments.

AI and ML models will be trained to be able to detect prohibited items in real-time as bags pass through airport X-ray scanning equipment.

It will also be used to spot anomalies and unusual patterns which could indicate a new or coordinated attempt to breach security, before alerting security staff to examine those items further.

The technology will focus on rapidly identifying potential threats in baggage, providing increased throughput at security checkpoints, addressing critical friction points in air travel as well as supporting security teams.

In later phases, the technology will scale to help tackle other pressure points in security and wider airport operations.

Alexis Long, Chief Strategy Officer for Pangiam, said: “This technology marks a monumental step in bringing automation to aviation security and sets a new precedent for international security standards.

“First and foremost, the technology will deliver a better experience for the traveller, the airport, and governments. To help us achieve this, we have selected Google Cloud as our technology vendor of choice—a leader in artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.”

The trial will be conducted at the security facilities of AGS Airport Ltd., the company that owns Glasgow and Aberdeen. In addition to the Scottish airports, the system will be trialled at AGS’s other property, Southampton Airport.

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Mark Palmer, Head of EMEA Public Sector, Google Cloud said, “We are delighted to collaborate with Pangiam on this ground-breaking initiative to protect AGS’s network of passengers and customers. The power of artificial intelligence is boundless, and we look forward to improving the aviation industry at large.”

The use of AI in security systems has been a controversial topic in recent years. Using the technology in recognise faces, for example, has been popular with police forces as a way to identify suspects. However, it raises concerns about privacy and profiling.

A recent project that used AI-powered facial recognition was a system that would allow school children at schools across North Ayrshire. Children would have their faces scanned and compared to information held in a database. Money would then be withdrawn from the account linked to the child’s face.

However, the project was postponed pending an investigation by the Information Commissioner’s Office after concerns were raised that the system was too intrusive.