Smiths Detection delivers lithium battery detection through deep learning

Smiths Detection now offers reliable and accurate lithium battery detection as an option on the HI-SCAN 100100V-2is and 100100T-2is scanners for shipping cargo and air freight. Taking a deep learning approach, Smiths Detection is collaborating with customers to build a huge library of images from which the algorithms can ‘learn’ to detect many other items. This is the first module from a series of smart and adaptable algorithms for the automatic detection of an ever-expanding list of dangerous, prohibited and contraband goods and substances. 

The lithium battery kit uses an external evaluation computer to host the detection software, which analyses the contents and “frames” any detected batteries – this data can be shown on the main system monitor or on an additional screen. 

“The lithium battery development follows IATA’s recommendations regarding Dangerous Goods and is aimed mainly at the air cargo sector,” explained Matt Clark, VP Technology & Product Development, Smiths Detection. “It is designed to tackle the tangible threat posed by lithium batteries, which have the potential to ignite when airborne. In addition to extending this option to a full range of systems, we plan to expand these augmented detection capabilities to goods such as weapons, flammable liquids, currency and drugs.”

The combination of excellent performance and small footprint makes these scanners ideal wherever parcels with diverse shapes and sizes need to be screened. Positioned at 90° to each other, two 160 kV generators speed up the inspection time of tightly packed items by providing both horizontal and vertical views. For further efficiency, there is a choice of conveyor heights and a maximum load of 220kg.

Adding this detection function does not affect the speed of overall image evaluation and little or no training is required. It is available now as an option on new HI-SCAN 100100 series scanners or as an upgrade for existing machines.

HI-SCAN 100100 series scanners are compliant with EU regulation 2015/1998.

For more information visit www.smithsdetection.com