As the partial government shutdown continues, TSA staffing shortages are causing long lines at airports, prompting ICE agents to assist at checkpoints, while Analytical AI in Birmingham, Alabama, is working to alleviate these pressures with advanced technology.
Inside the company’s downtown office, a TSA-style screening machine is used to test and refine security measures. Engineers at Analytical AI are actively testing and training algorithms to simulate real-world scenarios travelers face daily. Mark Froehlich, CEO of Analytical AI, said, “We build image-based artificial intelligence to make people’s lives better and safer.”
Sign up for our Newsletters
The small team at Analytical AI is playing a critical role in national security. Froehlich said, “Well I wouldn’t say we’re controlling by any means national security, but 17 people are really making a difference in improving it.”
As TSA officers face increased pressure, ICE agents are being deployed to airports nationwide to help manage crowds, although they are not trained for full security screenings. This makes the technology developed by Analytical AI even more crucial. The airport-grade scanner allows the team to test AI performance under real-world conditions, enhancing threat detection and reducing human error.
Thomas Anthony, CIO of Analytical AI, said, “And the main aim is to make sure that people can go through their security checkpoints quickly, effectively, and have a consistent level of security.” Consistency is under pressure as staffing becomes less stable, but systems tested by Analytical AI help maintain standards set by Customs and Border Protection.
Anthony added, “It is a really amazing feeling to see the algorithms themselves in deployment as part of CPB’s deployment for on-person screening, we have our algorithms on about 160 machines at ports of entry.”
When the shutdown ends, returning TSA workers should not worry about being replaced by AI. Anthony said, “None of the AI we deploy actually replaces or displaces a job. It makes humans more effective. So what we consider is everything we build is a force multiplier. It makes the human be more productive in their job.”
Despite competition from major tech firms, Analytical AI remains in Birmingham. Anthony said, “There is a view, especially outside of Birmingham, that innovation comes from the East Coast and the West Coast. But there are innovative companies everywhere that make a big contribution to a lot of fields, and Birmingham is a great place to be.”
Froehlich added, “We’re all from here. We all care about the, you know, building the city of Birmingham and growth. So that’s why we stay here.”
With ICE agents stepping in and TSA staffing stretched thin, Analytical AI’s work is playing a growing role in national security, even as the TSA faces one of its most strained moments.
TOP STORIES FROM WVTM:
Special edition Stanley tumblers are selling out, but these are still in stock
READ THE FULL STORY:Birmingham AI company supports national security amid TSA staffing shortages
CHECK OUT WVTM:Get the top Birmingham, Alabama news of the day. With live, local coverage and the latest weather, WVTM gives you more of what you want.