Will travellers soon have to take a lie detector test before boarding a plane? While this prospect is probably not for tomorrow, the idea is gaining ground at the Canadian Border Services Agency, which is currently testing the AVATAR (Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real Time) system. Developed by Professor Aaron Elkins, first for the University of Arizona and now for the University of San Diego, this system is based on movement and pressure sensors and software that observes eye movements. "AVATAR has been tested in laboratories, airports and border crossingssays Aaron Elkins. The system is ready to be deployed to help curb smuggling, stop criminals on the run and detect potential terrorists."
Travellers enter a kiosk and face a virtual customs officer who asks the usual questions - "Do you carry fruit in your luggage?", "Do you carry a weapon? By analysing people's behaviour during the interview, the system can detect lies big and small. "The system detects changes in eyes, voice, gestures and attitudes to determine potential risk. It can even tell if you're crossing your fingers behind your back."explains Aaron Elkins. Passengers at risk are then referred to human agents. But travellers with a fear of flying need not worry: by asking harmless questions, the system can also detect changes in attitude caused by stress.
