Smiths Detection accelerates AI security offering with BigBear.ai collaboration

Smiths Detection, a global leader in threat detection and security screening equipment and a business of Smiths Group, announced today that it is collaborating with BigBear.ai (NYSE: BBAI) to seamlessly integrate BigBear.ai’s threat detection products with Smiths Detection’s leading X-ray screening equipment. BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions for national security, travel, and trade.

The initiative is part of Smiths Detection’s ongoing Ada Initiative that seeks to accelerate the adoption of an Open Architecture (OA) approach across aviation, ports and borders, defence and urban security. Hardware, software and algorithms can be integrated from different product suppliers using OA, enhancing security outcomes. 

Smiths Detection currently offers a wide variety of automatic threat detection algorithms that can be integrated into its X-ray screening equipment and recognises that, with an increasing choice of digital technology partners, customers should have the assurance that third party technologies operate seamlessly with their devices.  

Through their open architecture approach, Smiths Detection creates tailored third-party integrations which, alongside their own in-house iCMORE, offer users a suite of AI-driven threat detection capabilities that will redefine security operations.  Seamlessly integrated with their X-ray screening systems, this suite enhances detection accuracy for prohibited items, currency, weapons, lithium batteries, and other dangerous goods. By reducing operator workload, streamlining workflows, and cutting false alarms, it empowers security teams to make faster, more confident decisions. Designed to scale and evolve it ensures that security operations stay ahead of emerging threats.

Cymoril Metivier, Global Director Digital at Smiths Detection, said: “Through our open architecture initiative, we empower customers with greater choice and flexibility in security solutions. Collaborating with partners like BigBear.ai enables seamless third-party integrations tailored to enhance security systems and capabilities. By reducing operator workload and minimising false alarms, we allow security teams to respond faster and with greater confidence.” 

“BigBear.ai is proud to partner with Smiths Detection to enhance security and improve travel experiences across critical transportation hubs worldwide,” said Kevin McAleenan, CEO of BigBear.ai.  “As global security challenges evolve, open architecture is essential to accelerate the adoption of advanced screening technologies, providing customers greater flexibility in selecting the best detection solutions.” 

BigBear.ai and Smiths Detection will be exhibiting at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid 8-10 April, 2025. (BigBear.ai will exhibit at booth #1130 and Smiths Detection booth #9324) to provide those interested with an introduction to the shared solution.

ENDS

About Open Architecture (OA)

OA allows hardware, software and algorithms from different product suppliers to be plugged together, enabling technology to be managed centrally so customers can achieve operational efficiencies, improved safety outcomes and work with a more relevant, precise data ecosystem.

About Smiths Detection

Smiths Detection, a division of Smiths Group, is a global leader in inspection and detection technologies for the air transport, ports and borders, armed forces and urban security markets. With more than 70 years of experience in the field, we offer the necessary solutions to protect society from the threats posed by explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemical agents, biological threats and narcotics – helping to make the world a safer place.  

AboutBigBear.ai  

BigBear.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered decision intelligence solutions and services for national security, defense, travel, trade, and enterprise. Customers and partners rely on BigBear.ai’s artificial intelligence and predictive analytics capabilities in highly complex, distributed, mission-based operating environments. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, BigBear.ai is a public company traded on the NYSE under the symbol BBAI. For more information, visit https://bigbear.ai and follow BigBear.ai on LinkedIn: @BigBear.ai. To receive email communications from BigBear.ai, register here.

Media Contacts:

FTI Consulting 

Tom Hufton/Matthew Young/Liam Gerrard 

sc.smithsdetection@fticonsulting.com   

+44 (0)20 3727 1000 

Smiths Detection 

Corrina Gee, Head of Communications 

Corrina.Gee@smithsdetection.com 

+44 (0)79 0970 9811