Metro Toronto Convention Centre to test AI and Radar Imaging security technology

Large scale arenas and convention centres are hubs for consumer and trade activity. The Metro Toronto Convetion centre is a convention complex located downtown Toronto. It is one of the largest Canadian convention centres with over 65,000m² (700,000 SF) of space, including the 1,232-seat John Bassett Theatre. The facility also connects to the 586-room InterContinental Toronto Centre hotel, the Union Station railway along with the SkyWalk, and to the underground PATH system.

Over the past 35 years, the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (MTCC) has hosted over 21,000 events and has added $7.8 billion in direct spending economic impact to the community. MTCC will be the first convention centre to partner with Liberty Detection, a leading concealed weapons detection solutions company, recently announced that it has signed a collaborative agreement with MTCC to beta test HEXWAVE. 

HEXWAVE uses 3D radar imaging and artificial intelligence primarily to detect and identify weapons, as well as other threats and anomalies. It enables security teams to detect these threats at the perimeter of a property without obstructing the movement of large groups of people. By extending the detection space and widening the perimeter, HEXWAVE enables a layered defence strategy, which provides security teams with more time to manage threats.

The imaging technology was developed at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory and can be installed at the perimeter of a building to detect threats before the person even enters the building. It can be used both indoors and outdoors and detect both metallic and non-metallic weapons. The technology uses low powered radar imaging and AI to detect weapons on persons and in baggage but, according to the information provided, it will not collect any personally identifiable information to still protect privacy of individuals. The system will not disrupt the flow of foot traffic.

“Convention centres are an essential part of a nations critical infrastructure because they serve as hubs for business events, entertainment, transportation, and community pride. They are also a key source of innovation on how people can interact at a mass level, so it is especially key to help provide a sense of security and safety in an ever-changing threat environment,” said Bill Riker, CEO of Liberty Defense.

Beta testing is expected to begin later in 2019 and progress into 2020. Liberty will also beta test HEXWAVE at FC Bayern Munich’s Allianz Arena in Germany, Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Maryland Stadium Authority’s Camden Yards Complex, in the state of Utah, with the Virginia Division of Capitol Police, in Sleiman shopping centers and in a Hindu temple.