Is the future of antiterrorism do-it-yourself?
The Palo Alto, Calif.-based firm Qylur Security Systems introduced what it says is the first automated self-service bag inspection for airports, stadiums and other public venues on Monday night.
The kiosk, called the Qylatron, is able to simultaneously test for bombs, dangerous chemicals and conventional weapons without a human security agent.
An attendee to a concert or sports game would scan his or her ticket to open one of five hexagonal cupboards and insert a bag. If the machine detects no threat, the compartment turns green, freeing the owner to open it and retrieve his or her belongings. If the machine identifies something suspicious, the door locks and turns red, and security is presumably alerted.
Officials for Qylur say the technology will speed up lines at checkpoints five-fold and enable a 50 percent cost savings on personnel while reducing human error.