...

4 Key Trends in Weapon Detection Systems for 2025

By Eric Hill / January, 31, 2025

The weapons detection system you’re considering for your organization is not the same technology that you or your peers might have acquired a decade ago. The world has evolved rapidly since then, and so has weapons detection system technology.

Below, we outline four key trends poised to play a significant role in the weapons detection industry in 2025. Organizations that stay ahead of these trends stand to gain significant advantages, while those who lag behind may miss out on crucial benefits these innovations offer.

1. A.I.-Powered Work

A.I. is transforming the efficiency of countless industries, and the weapons detection systems sector is no exception. Many organizations rely on both weapons detection systems and X-ray machines. The challenge is that these systems often operate independently, requiring at least one dedicated staff member to monitor the X-ray screen at all times—a process that is far from efficient.

The Athena integrated A.I.-powered X-ray analyzes more images, more consistently than a human, and at a much lower cost per picture. This ensures threats may be identified and instantly flagged based on the customer’s requirement of class of item. Inorganic materials are colorized, and security personnel are alerted to potential dangers in real time. Importantly, the AI software also reduces both false positives (e.g., laptops or other items mistakenly flagged as weapons in metal detectors) and false negatives (e.g., weapons going unrecognized, like a 3D printed gun, or knife in a false-bottom of a bag). Alerts from both systems are delivered to a single console, meaning that as little as one operator can manage the integrated platform of a metal detector and an x-ray—making A.I. a true workforce multiplier in these scenarios.

2. Localization of Detection

Detection and threat localization technology identifies a potential threat object and marks its location. This capability enables faster secondary searches and provides less potential touching or wanding for a better patron experience. For example, the security officer has intelligence to suggest the person divest from a specific area, instead of wasting time removing metal from another area. Also, the security officer can safely approach with caution.

This technology enhances officer safety by pointing out the location of a weapon or multiple weapons, reducing the risk of injury to the officer. 

3. A.I. Second Set of Eyes

The Athena Weapons Detection System is equipped with a unique, patent pending evasion detection feature that leverages cutting-edge body tracking A.I. Using AI-powered body tracking technology, the system continuously monitors the movements of people around the Weapons detection system, and send an Alert if a person is evading the plane of detection and going around the system.

4. Telepresence Officers

Holographic technology is set to play a transformative role in communicating with visitors who need help, especially those with special needs like the hearing impaired or those needing help in foreign languages. The telepresence officer offers a welcome message, can utilize voice-to-text for the hearing impaired and can be used for two-way communication. Telepresence security officers, projected on screens near weapon detection systems, enable remote security personnel to interact with individuals in real time, providing guidance and assistance as needed.

While telepresence officers won’t entirely replace on-site personnel—there will always be a need for officers who can intervene if necessary—they offer an efficient and cost-effective way to help improve communication, which helps enhance security operations.

Conclusion

A.I.-powered workforce multiplication with X-ray, localization of detection, software safeguards for officers, and telepresence officers are key capabilities shaping the weapons detection industry in 2025. Organizations that embrace these advancements will position themselves to enhance security at an effective cost, and lead into the future.