Smiths Detection has confirmed a new strategic partnership with the University of Exeter, to enhance its core training offering for clients across the aviation sector.

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 company reports.

Remaining people focused

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with an institution as renowned as the University of Exeter,” said Dr. Leanne Simpson, Training and Documentation Director, Smiths Detection.

“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.” 

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 research questions about the use of threat detection equipment and security operator training.

The initial research will enable 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.

Expanding

“This partnership with Smiths Detection provides a great opportunity for exciting research in the field of human performance and training,” added Chris Evans, Divisional Director, Exeter Innovation at the University of Exeter.

“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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