Human Recognition Systems partners with Thales to deliver the INSTINCT-TD2 Airport Security Programme

(06/09/2010)

The INSTINCT-TD2 project is a government initiative to discover, trial and showcase emergent airport security technologies, solutions and ideas. Human Recognition Systems is partnering with Thales to deliver the INSTINCT-Technology Demonstrator 2 (TD2) Airport Security Programme.

The INSTINCT (Innovative Science and Technology IN Counter-Terrorism) Programme is the overarching government initiative, led by a cross-government team anchored within the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) in the Home Office.)

The TD2 Airport Security project begins with an awareness and outreach programme, leading to a selection process to ensure sufficient applicability and maturity of proposed technologies, solutions or ideas. It is anticipated that between 20 and 30 submissions will be taken to trial, and that these, along with up to 20 other non-trialled submissions of particular interest will be showcased to Government, aviation industry and security experts early in December. A final report, including detailed analysis of the trials results and potential exploitation/ implementation of successful products will be submitted to the UK Governments INSTINCT programme at the end of January 2011.

Security Minister Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones says: “The threat to our security is real and is evolving, and technology can play a key role in reducing that threat. This project shows how the Government is working with industry to find those innovative and emerging technologies.”

Human Recognition Systems will be actively involved in the delivery of the TD2 programme with Airport Security Expert and head of Transport at Human Recognition Systems, Jim Slevin, taking a position on the ‘Independent Review Board’. The Board will consist of representatives from Thales, academia, the participating airports and a cross-government team anchored within the Office for Security and Counter-Terrorism (OSCT) in the Home Office.

Companies and academic institutions are being invited to submit applications (closing date of 10th September 2010) that outline how their technology can be used in airports to improve security. The ‘Independent Review Board’ will be responsible for processing all submissions received and selecting a number to demonstrate and trial their technology in simulated and live environments within the next few months.

Human Recognition Systems will play a key role in facilitating the live trials in airports. With vast experience designing and implementing technology solutions in airports, Human Recognition Systems was chosen by Thales to help the selected demonstrators to navigate the operationally complex airport environment.

Neil Norman, CEO of Human Recognition Systems, comments, “We have been actively developing security solutions within the Airport sector for the last seven years. Our solutions use the latest in biometric, identity management and image processing technology, and have been developed in close consultation with our clients and the airport regulatory authorities. We are pleased to be involved in helping Thales deliver the TD2 Programme; our experience and knowledge of the airport sector and commitment to cutting edge technologies will ensure we provide valuable contribution to the programme and the demonstrators involved.”

Alex Dorrian, CEO of Thales UK, says: "Security solutions into the National Security & Resilience sector are one of Thales’s core capabilities and an area where we have considerable pedigree. Our market knowledge, understanding of integrating complex systems and products, and experience with working with universities, schools and SMEs will ensure we deliver a rigorous trial and demonstration programme, successfully guiding demonstrators through every step of the process."

Related topics:  Other biometric systems 

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