New Body Scanners Use AI to Avoid Pat-downs at Large Events

Evolv, a physical security technology company, has created a touchless screening system that uses sensors, AI, and cloud analytics to identify threats without inconveniencing event attendees. The system, called Evolv Express, looks similar to anti-shoplifting scanners you’ll typically find at your local grocery store’s exit: thin, unimposing, and contactless. They stand at the entrances to large events and filter out physical threats at a rate of about 4,000 people per hour—10 times faster than a conventional metal detector.

Conventional security systems look for metal in any form. Not only does this usually require people to sift through their bags and pockets, but it also snags innocent people wearing jewelry or belts. Rather than just looking for metal, Evolv Express uses AI to seek out specific shapes, sizes, and densities associated with knives, guns, or other weapons of mass harm. The AI evolves as new threats are identified—a process that engages the system’s customers by allowing them to submit threat information in real time. The result is a faster and more convenient screening system that effectively filters out threats without requiring a whole lot of cooperation from attendees.

Evolv was established after both co-founders lost loved ones to mass tragedies. “No one wants to live in a world where every place they go reminds them of airport security,” the company’s website reads. “A metal detector at every entrance isn’t just inconvenient, it’s frightening: a persistent reminder of possible threats…Evolv’s low profile ensures venues won’t have to compromise customer experience to increase safety.”

The company’s Express system has already made its way into physical security settings around the country. Most of these include sports stadiums and convention centers, but schools, workplaces, theme parks, and houses of worship have begun to introduce Evolv’s technology as well. Most recently, Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium introduced Evolv Express to keep the stadium weapons-free. Just 12 Express units were able to replace 100 conventional metal detectors—all in time for football season.

Since Evolv’s foundation in 2013, Express has been used to screen more than 350 million people—more than any other private entity in the US. This year alone, the system has already filtered out more than 30,000 guns and 27,000 knives.

Continue reading

Epic’s New MetaHuman Creator Generates Digital Characters that Avoid the Uncanny Valley

The company's new MetaHuman engine promises to deliver photorealistic digital characters in a snap, and you can check out a demo right now.

SpaceX, NASA Sign Agreement to Avoid Space Collisions

SpaceX now has more than 1,000 Starlink nodes around Earth, and NASA has announced an agreement that will ensure those satellites don't get in the way of any of its missions.

How USB Charging Works, or How to Avoid Blowing Up Your Phone

If you take a phone that came with a 900mA wall charger and plug it into a 2,100mA iPad charger, will it explode?

Twitter’s Internal Research Confirms Its Algorithm Favors Right-Wing Voices

In recent years, conservative politicians and activists have railed against "cancel culture", claiming Twitter and other social media outlets are biased against them—hence, the existence of right-wing alternatives like Gab, Parler, and Trump's new Truth Social. Twitter has just published some internal research that suggests the opposite. According to the paper, its algorithm actually favors right-wing voices.