Israel’s Ben-Gurion Airport, the primary airport serving Tel Aviv, just implemented a new technology that makes security an easier process for passengers. It’s called MagShoe, a new product from IDO Technology. IDO’s website states, “The current “workaround” of removing shoes before passing through metal detectors is cumbersome, inconvenient and worst of all, inaccurate – creating long delays, discomfort and frustration, without fully allaying security concerns.” Although it seems like a great piece of technology, WSJ’s The Middle Seat reports the TSA is not considering MagShoe, said a spokesman. The spokesman did hint that they were testing other products similar to MagShoe.
The TSA implemented a GE shoe scanner at Orlando International Airport in October of 2007. However, a spokesman reported that the new shoe scanner did not come close to meeting the requirements. Although MagShoe is innovative and can detect knives / bomb detonator parts, it does not sense explosives yet. It makes me question why Israel implemented it at Ben-Gurion airport. I am pleased to see that the TSA has set high standards for a shoe-”sniffing” device. Yet, it appears as though we’ll have to continue taking out shoes off for a bit longer.
Image property of IDO Security.
