Development of an innovative training and upskilling station for airport security control operators

Project title

Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries

SIM Factor Sp. z o.o. & Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Name of programme

Operational Program “Smart Growth”

Competition

Application Projects

Project value

PLN 5,702,472.63

Funding value

PLN 4,396,218.02

Project delivery period

01.10.2020 – 31.05.2023

Results of our work

Video

Issues addressed

Security control is the subject that we deal with most often at airports. Our luggage is scanned in a special tunnel and we pass through a gate and are subject to inspections. This entire process follows the same rules almost all over the world. Similar inspections also take place in other places (for example, courts or facilities with a higher level of security).

The aim of the project was to develop an innovative training system for security control operators, which would have features unavailable in existing training systems, support training areas not yet covered and be cheaper than solutions currently available on the market.

Before the project was implemented, the shortcomings most frequently pointed at by industry experts in the training system for security – control operators were:

no possibility of preliminary verification of the candidate’s abilities,
manual image generator,
long operator training period to achieve the expected results,
unsatisfactory operators’ performance during real work,
inability to generate reports on skills in detecting prohibited items,
lack of programs aimed at the operators’ weaknesses,
no image library for airport supplies,
working on images that are significantly different from those that operators deal with in their daily work,
no image adjustment function,
inability to define one’s own training and examination sessions.

As part of the project, an attempt was made to eliminate the identified problems.

Two training tools have been created for this purpose:

A virtual reality-based training system for gate operators (shown in the video)
A training system dedicated to operating a luggage scanner, simulating the real scanner station. The images visible on the scanner display are generated automatically by the system based on an extensive library of real photos and scans of various objects.

Both training stations are equipped with an eye-tracking system that allows to collect information about what objects the trainee was looking at, what mistakes were made and what could be improved.

Project beneficiaries

These training tools are intended for entities that deal with training security employees:

airport managers responsible for maintaining safety at the required level,
organizations training security control employees,
providers of such services.

These entities will be able to train security employees cheaper and better.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the above-mentioned entities will benefit directly from the project results, while all air passengers will benefit indirectly, as the project results will increase the level of safety.

Major implementation challenges

The initial months of the project were marked by the CoViD-19 pandemic. Airports were practically empty at that time – specialists were on forced leaves and the possibilities going on business trips and conducting workshops for a dozen or so people in one place were very limited. It was difficult to collect video and photo material showing how security personnel work since such work was not done at that time. But we needed this information, so finally we managed to overcome these problems and collect adequate materials. We also managed to visit an airport where there was no passenger traffic. The technical challenge was the work related to the use of eye tracking and the development of algorithms indicating what mistakes the trainee made and what could be improved.

Our advice to other applicants

Define precisely the purpose of your project and the benefits it will bring to the local community. The better you define the expected results, the greater your chances of obtaining funding.
Prepare the project budget well, taking into account all costs and planning an allowance for possible unforeseen expenses.
Take advantage of the potential of partnerships and cooperation with other organizations or institutions. Joining forces can bring additional benefits and improve effectiveness of the project.
Remember the deadlines for submitting applications and try to provide all required documents and information.
Be ready to answer questions and provide additional information that may be required during the assessment of your application. Be open to dialogue and ready for adjustments.
Remember to monitor the progress of the project and report your activities regularly. Thanks to this, you will be able to constantly adapt your activities to your goals.
Use available sources of information and support, such as guides, training or consultants. Obtaining additional knowledge and support can significantly increase the chances of success in obtaining funding.
Be creative and open to new ideas. EU projects provide an opportunity to implement innovative solutions and make positive changes in the local community.
Do not give up if your application is rejected. Study the feedback received from the institution and obtain tips on how to improve your project to improve your odds for receiving funds in the future.
Remember that the aim of EU projects is to support social, economic and environmental development. When implementing your plans, try to make the most of the potential of EU grants for the benefit of the local community.

During the implementation of the project, it is worth consulting any doubts and problems with the project supervisor. When problems, complications or a need to modify the project arise, you should not be afraid of the change request – this procedure is not complicated. Approval times for such requests have become much shorter recently.

From our experience, any reasonable change with an understandable justification will be accepted by the NCBR.