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Digital signage assistants speed security screening at London airport

Two new Tensator Virtual Assistants have landed at London Luton Airport, just north of London, according to an announcement from Tensator.

April 29, 2015

Two new Tensator Virtual Assistants have landed at London Luton Airport, just north of London, according to an announcement from Tensator.

Four years ago the Airport became the first in the world to make use of the passenger-facing technology from Tensator Group. Since then, the original Tensator Virtual Assistants, which create the illusion of a real person, have been seen by 16.2 million departing passengers, all of which have been given the opportunity to hear and see the airport's message about items not allowed in hand luggage. This, combined with a host of other security measures, has helped to reduce the number of bags rejected by security by 12 percent, speeding up the security process, the company said.

The two new Tensator Virtual Assistants are the latest Ultra model of the digital signage solution. With a footprint of just 20 inches by 20 inches, they will be positioned in two separate locations at the Airport to ensure maximum exposure.

"The first of our new Tensator Virtual Assistants will be placed in the baggage preparation zone," said Kevin Aldridge, terminal manager at the airport. "Here, the image of an actress in airport uniform advises on liquids in hand luggage, explaining what is prohibited and how to prepare permitted items. The second unit, which is based in the main security search area, will reinforce the liquids message and also remind passengers to remove coats, belts and empty their pockets in readiness to pass through the search process. The new Tensator Virtual Assistant units, alongside other measures, will help to further speed up the security process, ensuring that passengers' journeys through the airport are as quick and efficient as possible. Improving the passenger experience is an important part of the £100 million redevelopment project which is due to get underway this year, and will see significant improvements to the terminal building."

Since their debut at London Luton Airport in 2011, Tensator Virtual Assistants have been deployed at airports across the world, including Boston Logan International, Dubai International, London Heathrow and Madrid airports, the company said.

"We're firm believers that technology shouldn't be used just for the sake of it. It needs to produce tangible benefits for both staff and passengers alike," Tensator Group CEO Ben Gale said. "The Tensator Virtual Assistants at London Luton Airport are the perfect example of this in action. The figures speak for themselves and show that passengers are engaging with units and listening to their important messages. In turn, this has freed up staff resources to focus on other aspects of the security process, resulting in a faster passenger journey through the terminal."