Development of smart security screening technology, which incorporates advanced technology using harmless terahertz waves (THz), has begun, and upon completion of the project, a screening technology capable of capturing both safety and convenience is expected to be created.

The Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) announced on the 20th that it is developing next-generation security screening technology through joint research with Daemyung TS that can detect dangerous substances, such as weapons and explosives, without removing one's shoes.

Major facilities such as airports involve cumbersome procedures for terror prevention and security, such as removing shoes and hats and taking out various personal belongings separately.

Accordingly, the research team set out to develop advanced security screening technology using terahertz waves to create a safe environment while promoting convenience.

Terahertz waves (THz) are electromagnetic waves that vibrate one trillion times per second.

Terahertz waves are called the "dream frequency" and are being actively researched worldwide due to their characteristics of penetrating clothing and shoes while being harmless to the human body because of their low electromagnetic energy.

ETRI has a frequency higher than the radio waves used in full-body scanners at airports.The plan is to utilize the characteristics of terahertz waves to inspect for the concealment of hazardous materials at a higher resolution.

The research team integrates terahertz band devices to acquire 3D security scan images, performing security scans more precisely and quickly than existing technologies.

It can search for hazardous materials made of non-metals as well as metals.

This security screening system is planned to be built by applying artificial intelligence image recognition technology, enabling it to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are possessed without human verification.

The research team also stated that advanced data processing and reading technologies will be applied to ensure that individual privacy is not infringed upon.

Therefore, it is expected that boarding procedures can be processed with high accuracy and speed in a non-face-to-face and contactless manner, and the detection of risk factors will be possible, contributing to ensuring the safety of air passengers and maintaining the security system.

The research team expects to develop a prototype in 2024, undergo demonstration operations at Incheon International Airport Corporation, obtain domestic certification in 2025, and then introduce it to the general public.

Moving forward, the research team plans to expand into a walk-through system through the development of core technology, where a full-body scan is automatically completed as a person passes through a tunnel.

Park Kyung-hyun, Head of the Future Source Research Division at ETRI, said, “By successfully developing a security screening system that integrates the achievements of ETRI’s terahertz technology research and development over the past 10 years, we will proudly establish Korea as an exporter of advanced aviation security screening equipment.”

ETRI opened a terahertz joint laboratory within the institute together with Daemyung TS Co., Ltd., a participating joint research and development organization, to successfully carry out this next-generation personal security screening technology development project.

Daemyung TS Co., Ltd. develops a non-destructive inspection system using terahertz wavesAs a company with the technology closest to commercialization in Korea, it will be responsible for the demonstration, domestic and international certification, and commercialization of security screening systems to be developed in the future.

This research project is being carried out as part of the 'Development of Human Security Screening Technology for Generations' project, a land and transport R&D initiative supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and the Korea Institute of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Technology. Led by ETRI, a total of 11 domestic industry, academia, and research institutions are participating, including companies such as Daemyung TS Co., Ltd., Incheon International Airport Corporation, and QSI Co., Ltd.