Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technology, today announces a new strategic partnership with the University of Exeter that will enhance its core training offering for clients across the aviation sector and wider security screening market.  

Over an initial four-year period, Smiths Detection will work closely with the university’s Virtual Immersive Training And Learning (VITAL) research group to better understand the needs of our customers' staff, particularly screeners tasked with identifying threats and prohibited items in X-ray images. The University of Exeter’s VITAL research group explores virtual and immersive technology for training people to perform complex or high-risk tasks, as well as tackle fundamental research questions relating to sensorimotor control and perceptual-cognitive expertise. 

The focus of the work will primarily be on researching and understanding bespoke ‘human-focused’ solutions that improve the performance of screeners, particularly when identifying novel and emerging threats. As part of their research, the VITAL research group will utilise its research capability and techniques, including eye tracking, immersive technology, experimentation, evidence synthesis, and data science, to test and analyse the new training solutions, as well as tackle fundamental research questions about the use of threat detection equipment and security operator training. The initial research will enable us to better understand the visual search patterns of experienced aviation X-ray screeners, particularly with the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The findings will inform the development of training for novice screeners. The research group will also test and evaluate novice screener evaluation tools that our customers can employ during the recruitment process enabling them to recruit those with the greatest potential.  

As part of Smiths Detection’s ongoing employee and talent engagement initiatives, the partnership will also allow students to take up validated work experience opportunities during their degrees as well as joint secondment opportunities for Smiths Detection and University of Exeter employees. As this partnership strengthens, Smiths Detection will expand its research work with other departments at the university. 

Dr. Leanne Simpson, Smiths Detection Training and Documentation Director, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with an institution as renowned as the University of Exeter. This partnership is part of a larger programme of work that is revolutionising the way we deliver training, ensuring we remain people focused. Training is a crucial part of our offering at Smiths Detection as we strive to achieve our mission of making the world a safer place.” 

Chris Evans, Divisional Director of Exeter Innovation at the University of Exeter, said: “This partnership with Smiths Detection provides a great opportunity for exciting research in the field of human performance and training. Smiths Detection commits to high-quality research and share our values in terms of supporting the career development of our junior researchers. Hopefully, this is just the start of a broader programme of research that expands to new areas within the university and Smiths.” 

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ABOUT SMITHS DETECTION: 

Smiths Detection, a division of Smiths Group, is a global leader in inspection and detection technologies for the air transport, ports and borders, armed forces and urban security markets. With more than 70 years of experience in the field, we offer the necessary solutions to protect society from the threats posed by explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemical agents and narcotics – helping to make the world a safer place. 

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com  

ABOUT VIRTUAL IMMERSIVE TRAINING AND LEARNING (VITAL): 

VITAL, a research group situated at The University of Exter, led by Professors Sam Vine and Mark Wilson, explores the multi-faceted concepts relating to the use of Virtual and Immersive technology for training, learning, and therapy. These technologies are used to develop experimental paradigms that help us to explore research questions relating to sensorimotor control, perceptual cognitive expertise, skill learning, and mental well-being. Work is designed across a range of academic disciplines including cognitive psychology, pedagogy, human factors, user design, data science, and neuroscience. Alongside immersive technologies, VITAL adopts a number of other measurement tools including eye tracking, motion capture and psychometric tests. 

For more information visit https://medicine.exeter.ac.uk/phss/research/vital/  

Media contacts 

FTI Consulting: 

Tom Hufton/Harriet Jackson/Liam Gerrard 

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+44 (0)20 3727 1000 

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening technologies, today announces that it has launched the SDX 10060 XDi, a ground-breaking X-ray scanner powered by diffraction technology.  

X-ray Diffraction (XRD) is a powerful inspection technology offering highly accurate material discrimination and substance identification based on an object’s molecular structure. XRD is particularly suited to detecting constantly evolving compounds in powder, liquid or solid forms, such as ‘homemade’ explosives or narcotics, even for materials with similar densities.  

Multi-level baggage and material handling operations and express forwarders are under pressure to screen huge volumes quickly and efficiently. The SDX 10060 XDi can transform this process by automating the resolution of potential explosive alarms, in turn improving both security and efficiency.  

Due to its exceptional sensitivity, XRD technology can also be very effectively deployed to support customs agencies in screening for a range of contraband items including narcotics, helping to mitigate ever-growing threats to society. 

Jerome de Chassey, President of Smiths Detection, commented: “We are immensely excited to announce the launch of the SDX 10060 XDi which marks a new era in security screening. Every minute of every day our threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, and this new development highlights our commitment to making the world a safer place. X-ray Diffraction will future-proof operations for a large variety of sectors, and we are proud to play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of future threat detection.”   

The SDX 10060 XDi can integrate seamlessly with existing material and baggage handling systems and is designed to meet ECAC Standard 3.1/3.2 and TSA 7.2 plus future regulations. Certification is underway. 

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See how XRD will enhance security here: https://youtu.be/CkoCpsrz97I  

Jerome de Chassey, President, Richard Thompson, Vice President Marketing and Strategy, and Matthew Clark, Vice President Technology, will be present at Passenger Terminal Expo 2024 on 16 and 17 April, stand A145 in hall 5.1.  

About Smiths Detection:  

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and defence. With more than 70 years of field-tested experience, Smiths Detection deliver the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and narcotics – helping make the world a safer place.  

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com/diffraction   

About the SDX 10060 XDi: 

The Smiths Detection SDX 10060 XDi leverages cutting-edge X-ray Diffraction (XRD) technology to offer unparalleled material discrimination and substance identification capabilities. By generating a unique 'diffraction fingerprint', it can accurately distinguish between substances with similar densities, making it exceptionally effective for identifying homemade explosives and narcotics in various forms. This advanced detection system is especially beneficial for high-volume, high-speed applications such as baggage screening at airports and parcel processing, where it enhances security and operational efficiency. 

Discover how the SDX 10060 XDI can elevate your security screening operations here:  https://www.smithsdetection.com/products/sdx-10060-xdi/  

Media Contacts:  

FTI Consulting 

Tom Hufton/Matthew Young/Liam Gerrard  

sc.smithsdetection@fticonsulting.com    

+44 (0)20 3727 1000  

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technology, today announces the appointment of Jerome de Chassey as President, Smiths Detection with immediate effect. Jerome will also join the Smiths Group Executive Committee.

Roland Carter, previously President of Smiths Detection, has been appointed CEO of Smiths Group.

Jerome has been with Smiths Detection since 2016, when he joined as Managing Director for India, then appointed Vice President, Commercial in 2021, where he led all of Smiths Detection’s commercial operations across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Asia Pacific Regions, including China and India.

Jerome de Chassey, President of Smiths Detection, said: “I am delighted and honoured to take up the role of President of Smiths Detection and join the Smiths Group Executive Committee. I’m excited to build on the great work we’ve achieved so far at Smiths Detection with leading innovations. We’ve also made huge leaps towards developing our sustainability and circular economy credentials. Our solutions make a real difference to all our stakeholders, keeping people and critical assets safe, and I want to empower our colleagues to strive for excellence in everything we do.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Roland for his many years of great leadership at Smiths Detection and congratulate him on his new role as CEO of Smiths Group.”

Jerome de Chassey biography:

Jerome has been with Smiths Detection for eight years, holding numerous senior leadership roles within the business. Jerome joined Smiths Detection as Managing Director for India in 2016 and was appointed Vice President, Commercial in 2021 where he led all Smiths Detection’s commercial operations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific regions, including China and India. Before joining Smiths Detection, Jerome was a strategy consultant with Bain & Company and held several leadership positions in BT Group and Alstom (now Schneider Electric). Jerome has worked in the US, UK, the Middle East and Asia Pacific with a focus on strategy, innovation and growth acceleration.

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About Smiths Detection:

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and defence. With more than 70 years of field-tested experience, Smiths Detection delivers the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and narcotics – helping make the world a safer place.

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com.

Media Contacts:

FTI Consulting:

Tom Hufton/Harriet Jackson/Liam Gerrard sc.smithsdetection@fticonsulting.com

+44 (0)20 3727 1000

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and screening technology, supplied its industry leading X-ray screening equipment to safely and efficiently secure the United Nations’ COP28 summit between November 30, 2023 – December 13, 2023, at Expo City in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The event was attended by a record 85,000+ core-participants, comprised of world leaders and business executives, an 80% increase over COP27.

To facilitate the vast quantity of footfall and goods, three types of X-ray solutions were deployed to ensure that no threats entered before and during the event. The HI-SCAN 6040 DV, an advanced dual-view X-ray inspection system, was used to automatically detect explosives and liquids, alongside state-of-the-art HI-SCAN 100100T-2is and HI-SCAN 145180-2is scanners that significantly shortened inspection times and increased operational efficiency. 

Over 100 machines were used in total, with the HI-SCAN 6040 DV being the most utilised. This solution eliminated the need to re-position or re-scan objects and offered superior image quality and easy integration into tray handling systems, the ideal scanner for efficient screening in high threat applications. 

Tom Squier, Managing Director at Smiths Detection Middle East, said, “We were proud to supply our state-of-the-art X-ray screening equipment at one of the world’s most high-profile events to protect world leaders, state delegates, business executives, and technical and support teams. Delegates from Smiths Group were also honoured to have taken part in several roundtables at COP 28, sharing their relevant industry experiences and insights as part of the global transition to achieve a more sustainable future.”

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About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security and defence. With more than 70 years of field-tested experience, Smiths Detection delivers the solutions needed to protect society from the threat and illegal passage of explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, biological agents, and narcotics – helping make the world a safer place. 

For more information visit http://www.smithsdetection.com.

About COP28

COP 28 refers to the United Nations Climate Change Conference that took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November until 12 December 2023. UN Climate Change conferences (or COPs) take place every year and are the world’s only multilateral decision-making forum on climate change with almost complete membership of every country in the world.  To put it simply, the COP is where the world comes together to agree on ways to address the climate crisis, such as limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius, helping vulnerable communities adapt to the effects of climate change, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Officially, COP 28 stands for the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the UNFCCC.

For more information visit https://unfccc.int/cop28

Media Contacts:

FTI Consulting

Tom Hufton/Harriet Jackson/Liam Gerrard

sc.smithsdetection@fticonsulting.com

+44 (0)20 3727 1000