Bullet, Blast-resistant Seating Installed at Brownsville South Padre Island TX International Airport

Amulet Protective Technologies and Arconas are pleased to announce their first installation of bullet- and blast-resistant airport furniture. Arconas Flyaway tandem seating with Amulet® Ballistic Barriers are designed to shield travelers in the event of an act of violence in the public space. The seating has been installed in the new Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport terminal that will open to the public Jan. 20.

Arconas has teamed up with Amulet® Protective Technologies to seamlessly integrate Amulet’s bullet-absorbing technology into airport seating.

"Arconas recognizes that our airport and transportation clients are looking for more options in their furniture. Terminal operators always take a safety-first approach to their facilities, so providing clients features that improve safety and protect lives has been incredibly well received,” said Lynn Gordon, vice president of Business Development at Arconas. “We’re focused on improving the airport experience, which includes highly functional, durable, attractive, and now protective furniture.”

The “invisible” barrier technology is integrated during the manufacturing process and is designed to protect human lives from gunfire or explosive devices without affecting the design, appearance or comfort of the airport seating.

“Unfortunately, acts of violence in the public space have become an all too common occurrence around the globe,” said Jeffrey Isquith, president and CEO of Amulet Protective Technologies. “Our No. 1 goal is to save lives – and this technology adds a critical layer of protection for the public. Amulet® Ballistic Barriers are a 21st Century solution to saving lives and reducing injuries to innocent people.”

The new terminal covers 91,000 square feet over two stories and will be able to accommodate more air carriers and passengers than the existing 50-year-old terminal.

“The new terminal incorporates the latest technology and features, including seating that can protect passengers and first responders if needed,” said Bryant Walker, airport director. “Providing for the safety and comfort of our passengers is our top priority. We have no reason to believe we would ever need this technology, however, we try to plan for the unexpected. The decision to use Arconas seating with integrated Amulet barriers was an easy one to make.”

This type of “invisible” technology has fast become a key component of the physical security market, which is expected to double in size within the next few years. Amulet® Ballistic Barriers are designed to be uniquely compatible with interior furnishings and meet National Institute of Justice performance criteria for handgun, rifle and explosive-device threats.

Featured

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • 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.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.