Vancouver

Vancouver's Rogers Arena the First to Test New Weapons Detection System

Fans at Rogers Arena in Vancouver will be the first to be screened using a new radio frequency device intended to detect concealed weapons.

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Apr 16, 2019

Fans entering into Rogers Arena in Vancouver will be the first of many to be screened using a new radio frequency device intended to detect concealed weapons. 

Liberty Defense, a Georgia company that manufactures the Hexwave device, is planning to test its solution — which is still in development — later this year or early next year. According to the company's CEO, the device is able to detect and identify metallic and non-metallic objects hidden under clothing or inside bags, anything from firearms, to explosives or knives.

"The system captures 3D objects of interest," Liberty Defense CEO Bill Riker told the CBC. "A handgun, or a cell phone, is being analyzed by the artificial intelligence."

The scanned object is then compared to a database of potentially dangerous items. The system would then alert the security team if there is a match with a possible threat. The alert could be specific, noting what object was identified and where it is on the person, or simply just a red or green light to indicate that a further search is required.

The device is designed to be concealed or placed out in the open.

"You're coming up to an entrance and clearly there's some panels there —  it's up to the facilities to say whether it is an inspection area," Riker said. 

The company identified Rogers Arena as the place to test the product as Francesco Aquilini, the owner of the Vancouver Canucks and Rogers Arena, is involved with Liberty Defense. 

"It's going to be up to the venue on whether or not they actually have people go through it on a voluntary basis, which will enable us, jointly, to get an assessment of what to refine on the system," Riker said.

Once the testing is complete, Riker said he hopes the system is ready to deploy commercially by the summer of 2020.

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • 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.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.