ICI Cameras Enable NEC’s Biometric Temperature Screening at Hawaiian Airports

“By leveraging intelligent thermography to remove typical bottlenecks associated with screening, we ensure that airport operations are better equipped to handle increased passenger traffic as passengers feel confident resuming travel for business or leisure returns to higher levels.” – Jason Van Sice, Vice President of Sales for NEC’s Global Aviation Practice

An important partner has revealed its role in a large-scale airport screening program led by NEC.

The latter announced that it would deliver a screening solution based on facial recognition and temperature screening for Hawaiian airports in July, after signing a $37.5 million contract with the state’s Department of Transportation (“HDOT”). The aim was to reinstate an improved, safer travel experience in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic by enabling airport authorities to biometrically identify travelers, and to detect potential signs of fever, a symptom of the virus.

NEC went on to explain that its solution would take the form of the “NeoFace Thermal Express“, which would eliminate the need for human intervention in the Elevated Body Temperature checks that had been instated at Hawaii’s five airports. This would facilitate social distancing for passengers and airport staff alike.

Now, Infrared Cameras Inc. (“ICI”) has announced that it’s providing the temperature screening cameras used in the NEC program. The company explains that their joint solution was designed with an eye to simplicity, featuring an indicator system that flashes a red light for elevated temperature, and a green light for normal temperature.

For its part, NEC appears to be pleased with the technology. “Working with Infrared Cameras Inc. to deploy thermal screening solutions helps us empower airports that handle large volumes of foot traffic in realizing a safer, more efficient way to continue operations,” attested the company’s aviation sales VP, Jason Van Sice. “By leveraging intelligent thermography to remove typical bottlenecks associated with screening, we ensure that airport operations are better equipped to handle increased passenger traffic as passengers feel confident resuming travel for business or leisure returns to higher levels.”

The collaboration offers the latest sign of how air travel and government authorities are embracing biometric technologies to adapt to the pandemic. Currently, the deployment process is ongoing, with NEC having previously indicated that the screening solution will be fully implemented across Hawaii by the end of this year.

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September 25, 2020 – by Alex Perala