The University of Wisconsin Police Department is planning to pilot new weapon detection technology that uses 3D radar imaging and artificial intelligence to automatically detect guns, knives and other dangerous weapons on campus.
The UWPD announced Thursday that it has partnered with Liberty Defense, a Vancouver-based security technology company, to test its concealed weapons detection system called HEXWAVE. HEXWAVE uses discrete sensors that utilize 3D radar imaging and AI to detect both metallic and non-metallic firearms, knives, explosives and other potential threats.
To campus visitors, the technology will operate largely in the background as the system can integrate into walls or behind signs and screens. By automatically detecting weapons within large crowds, people won't need to go through extra layers of security screenings. Campus security will be automatically notified when a weapon is detected, and they can relay that information to security personnel on the ground.
The school plans to begin testing the technology in 2020.
"The security of our campus is, of course, a top priority," Kristen Roman, chief of police at UW-Madison, said in a statement. "We are excited to have the opportunity to be the first campus to test this new technology."
HEXWAVE is also being tested at the FC Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena in Germany, Rogers Arena in Vancouver and Maryland Stadium Authority's Camden Yards Complex.
