Smart Imaging Systems Announces the First Portable Vehicle Scanning Technology with $3.5 Million Initial Order from Customs and Border Protection

The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has issued a $3.5 million purchase order for new compact, portable X-ray technology developed by Smart Imaging Systems, to safely scan for contraband and explosives in vehicles.

Designed by engineers with years of experience designing for NASA’s  miniaturized systems for the MARS Rover and various other space missions, the CXR is the first scanner system that fits in a car trunk and can be deployed in just minutes at border crossings, government checkpoints, as well as building garages, large event parking facilities and high security events. It uses safe levels of X-rays to detect drugs, weapons, other contraband as well as improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“This initial order is validation that our system is faster, more efficient and less expensive than what is being used today to restrict contraband flow at our borders,” said Satpal Singh, president and chief executive officer of Smart Imaging Systems. “It is exciting to see that technology developed for space applications can be used in the United States to protect our citizens.”

The high-throughput (5-10 seconds per car scan) unit can be easily concealed behind overhead signs or roadside planters and can perform fast scans from above or from the side of vehicles. The high resolution, low energy x-ray scanner requires only two 12-volt motorcycle batteries instead of a large generator or a heavy duty, high wattage power source.

Land border crossings serve a critical role in enabling CBP’s enforcement of immigration and customs laws and according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, the nation’s land border crossings remain a target for exploitation by transnational criminal organizations. Because this system is portable, fast and easy to assemble at remote and random checkpoints, it gives CPB a powerful tool to catch these criminal drug smugglers, traffickers and other transporters of contraband. These hand portable car scanners will allow CBP officers to conduct pulse and surge operations at the nation’s land and sea ports of entry.

“Diligent transportation security typically slows the movement of vehicles, people or cargo,” said Peter Harris, an industry security advisor. “The CXR Smart Imaging Systems technology enables security personnel to scan where the threats are without creating security bottlenecks in vehicle inspection and we look forward to broad adoption in a number of vertical markets.”

The undisclosed number of units will be delivered and deployed beginning in 2021.

Featured

  • Gaining a Competitive Edge

    Ask most companies about their future technology plans and the answers will most likely include AI. Then ask how they plan to deploy it, and that is where the responses may start to vary. Every company has unique surveillance requirements that are based on market focus, scale, scope, risk tolerance, geographic area and, of course, budget. Those factors all play a role in deciding how to configure a surveillance system, and how to effectively implement technologies like AI. Read Now

  • 6 Ways Security Awareness Training Empowers Human Risk Management

    Organizations are realizing that their greatest vulnerability often comes from within – their own people. Human error remains a significant factor in cybersecurity breaches, making it imperative for organizations to address human risk effectively. As a result, security awareness training (SAT) has emerged as a cornerstone in this endeavor because it offers a multifaceted approach to managing human risk. Read Now

  • The Stage is Set

    The security industry spans the entire globe, with manufacturers, developers and suppliers on every continent (well, almost—sorry, Antarctica). That means when regulations pop up in one area, they often have a ripple effect that impacts the entire supply chain. Recent data privacy regulations like GDPR in Europe and CPRA in California made waves when they first went into effect, forcing businesses to change the way they approach data collection and storage to continue operating in those markets. Even highly specific regulations like the U.S.’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can have international reverberations – and this growing volume of legislation has continued to affect global supply chains in a variety of different ways. Read Now

  • Access Control Technology

    As we move swiftly toward the end of 2024, the security industry is looking at the trends in play, what might be on the horizon, and how they will impact business opportunities and projections. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

Webinars

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file. 3

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis. 3

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3