Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies, speaks to SJUK Editor, James Humphreys, about how artificial intelligence revolutionises weapons detection.

You walk into a sold-out stadium, backpack in hand, heading to your favourite event.

The security line looms ahead – but instead of the familiar routine of waiting in line to empty pockets and separate from your belongings, you walk through smoothly while security systems work intelligently in the background. This is the reality of modern AI-powered weapons detection.  

As security threats grow more complex, the old approach of treating every metal object as suspicious no longer serves our modern needs.

When students carry laptops to class and professionals attend meetings with tablets and smartphones, security technology must be smarter.

The industry needs solutions that recognise the difference between everyday items and actual threats.  

In this exclusive interview, Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies, shares his vision for transforming security screening from a necessary inconvenience into a seamless part of daily operations.

With 25 years at the forefront of digital innovation, Evans brings unique insight into how artificial intelligence revolutionises weapons detection across educational institutions, entertainment venues, workplaces and anywhere security matters. 

From eliminating unnecessary secondary screenings to maintaining natural movement flow during peak crowds, Evans explores how advanced detection technology delivers comprehensive security without compromising the human experience.

He examines real-world implementations that demonstrate the power of intelligent screening in maintaining both safety and operational efficiency.  

Can you define the term “artificial intelligence”?  

In the context of weapons detection, AI represents a sophisticated advancement beyond traditional screening methods.

While conventional metal detectors simply react to any metallic object, AI-powered systems employ complex algorithms that learn and make nuanced decisions about potential threats in real time.  

This intelligence manifests in the system’s ability to analyse multiple characteristics simultaneously.

When an individual passes through an AI-powered detection system, the technology examines not just the presence of metal, but evaluates the object’s size, shape, density and other key attributes.

This comprehensive analysis enables the system to distinguish between everyday items like smartphones or laptops and actual security risks. 

AI’s capacity for continuous learning and adaptation makes it particularly powerful in weapons detection.

The technology refines its detection capabilities through real-world implementation data, becoming increasingly precise in its threat identification.

Rather than requiring operators to interpret complex data or make judgment calls, the AI provides clear, actionable information about potential threats.  

In essence, AI in weapons detection represents a fundamental shift from reactive detection to intelligent analysis.

The technology brings a level of sophistication that matches the complexity of modern security challenges while adapting to the realities of environments where people routinely carry multiple electronic devices.  

What are the advantages of using AI when it comes to weapons detection?  

The primary advantage lies in accurate object classification.

Traditional screening methods flag any metal object, creating unnecessary delays and frustration.

AI-powered detection analyses the characteristics of objects, understanding the difference between a laptop and a weapon, or a metal water bottle and a threat.  

This intelligent classification delivers several operational benefits.

Security staff can focus on actual alerts rather than conducting unnecessary secondary screenings.

Individuals maintain natural movement through entry points, keeping their belongings with them. The technology processes thousands of screenings per hour while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.  

Beyond operational efficiency, AI-powered detection transforms the overall security experience.

The technology’s ability to learn from real-world implementations means it continuously improves its threat recognition capabilities.

This adaptive intelligence proves valuable in environments where screening requirements change frequently, such as venues hosting different types of events or facilities managing varying crowd sizes.

Security teams gain a sophisticated tool that maintains effectiveness while adapting to their specific operational needs.  

What type of industries are choosing to adopt AI weapons detection systems?  

We see strong adoption across environments where maintaining operational efficiency alongside security is important.

Educational institutions implement these systems to screen students carrying laptops and other devices without disrupting morning entry procedures.

Entertainment venues process thousands of guests efficiently while preserving the guest experience.

Workplace environments maintain professional atmospheres while maintaining comprehensive protection.  

Each environment has unique challenges in terms of personal belonging volumes and operational requirements.

Sports venues manage peak crowds carrying minimal items, while schools handle steady flows of students with educational technology.

AI-powered detection adapts to these varying needs while maintaining that same security effectiveness.  

In what ways do your product offerings help to improve safety?  

SmartGateway directly addresses the security needs of venues managing low volumes of personal belongings.

It detects a wide range of threats, from guns to knives, while maintaining frictionless entry.

Security staff receive precise threat location data through LED displays, enabling quick response times.  

Xtract One Gateway transforms screening in environments with medium volumes of personal belongings.

Processing up to 3,000 screenings hourly, it lets individuals keep their laptops, devices, and other everyday items while maintaining security.

The system reduces secondary screenings by up to 4x by distinguishing actual threats from common items like binders, water bottles, and electronics.  

Both systems integrate with Xtract One View, our cloud platform that puts total control at operators’ fingertips.

This intuitive interface enables real-time monitoring across multiple checkpoints, instant system management, and data-driven operational decisions.

Security teams access comprehensive analytics and automated reporting tools from any device, optimising staff deployment and strengthening security protocols.  

How do you think AI weapon detection systems will advance in the future?  

The future of weapons detection technology centres on enhancing accuracy while further streamlining operations.

Advanced AI will continue improving object classification capabilities, reducing false alerts while maintaining comprehensive security coverage.

We’ll see increased integration of security systems, providing operators with enhanced situational awareness and response capabilities.  

Most importantly, security technology will continue advancing to meet changing operational needs. As facilities adopt new technologies and face different challenges, detection systems will adapt through regular updates and improved capabilities.

The focus remains on delivering comprehensive security that enhances rather than impedes operations.  

At Xtract One, we maintain our commitment to delivering solutions that enhance rather than impede operations – ensuring comprehensive security without sacrificing the human experience.  

Security technology stands at a pivotal moment. Organisations increasingly recognise that effective security requires detection capabilities that work in harmony with their operational reality.

Through continued innovation and focus on real-world implementation, we’re creating security technology that protects while preserving the natural flow of daily activities.  

This article was originally published in the February 2025 Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.