United States security agencies are currently testing a lie-detecting security kiosk called "AVATAR" (Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real-Time). The kiosk has a face on the screen which will ask questions to travelers and will detect changes in the eyes, voice, gestures, and even curling of toes to determine potential risk.
AVATAR is being tested in conjunction with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) to help border security agents spot travelers entering Canada with undisclosed motives.
AVATAR is a kiosk very much like an airport check-in or grocery store self-checkout kiosk, said Aaron Elkins, management information systems professor at the San Diego State University. "However, it can detect changes in physiology and behavior during the interview," added Elkins.
According to Phys, here is how it would work: Passengers will have to step up to the kiosk and be asked a series of questions like whether they are carrying any fruits or vegetables in their luggage or whether they are carrying any weapons with them. Meanwhile, the eye-detection software and motion and pressure sensors will monitor the passengers, looking for physiological signs of lying or discomfort. The kiosk will also ask a series of innocuous questions to rule out people who are just nervous about flying. Once a deception is detected, the passenger would be flagged for further scrutiny from human agents.
Elkins began working on AVATAR during his Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. When he became an assistant professor at SDSU in the fall of 2016, he continued doing his work. Currently, he is in the process of completing construction of his lab where he plans to continue his research while teaching students about artificial intelligence.
According to Elkins, AVATAR can be further used for law enforcement, job interviews and in other human resources applications as well. "We continue to make improvements, such as analyzing the collected data using Big Data analysis techniques that make AVATAR a potentially valuable tool across many industries," he added.
AVATAR has been tested in labs, airports, and border crossing stations.