Synapse to Help Air Force Evaluate Potential AI Integration in IED Detection Systems

Synapse Technology has secured a contract from the U.S. Air Force to study the possibility of integrating artificial intelligence into machines used to help military personnel detect improvised explosive devices at base security checkpoints.

The company said Tuesday it will help the service branch assess requirements for the development and integration of AI technology into X-Ray scanners through the AFWERX program.

USAF personnel use the equipment to identify potential threats such as improvised explosives, guns and knives from people visiting military installations.

“Threats evolve quickly, and AI has the potential to detect emerging IED threats, providing security against current and future threats while giving the warfighter more operational flexibility,” said Peter Kant, CEO at Synapse.

The company developed an AI technology that works to integrate with X-ray screening machines. To date, the Syntech ONE platform has processed more than 5M passenger bags at security checkpoints located in four countries.