Popular Mechanics (South Africa)
NEW AIRPORT SECURITY
Instead of passengers putting their wallets and belts into bins one at a time, single-file, a situation in which one slow guy delays the entire line, Delta created a security checkpoint that uses five simultaneous stations. The system is completely automated. You approach an empty station, fill your bin and put it on the conveyor. If you accidentally leave that water bottle in your carry-on, or there’s something suspicious that requires a second look, your bin is routed to a separate area. The conveyor belts even automatically send the bins back to the front of the line. Until recently, the only location using this kind of technology was Atlanta, Delta’s hub. But last month Johannesburg’s OR Tambo Airport became the first African airport to trial a similar smart security system. Suddenly we’re feeling much more forgiving about that lost bag.