- Walk-through detector uses millimeter-wave radar to detect concealed weapons in less than a second -

TOKYO—Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO: 6502) received the Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award at CEATEC AWARD 2023 for its Secure Space Management Solution, a millimeter-wave (mmWave) radar*1 walk-through detection system that detects and visualizes potentially dangerous items, including concealed weapons.

The CEATEC AWARD is part of CEATEC, Japan’s premier exhibition of advanced technologies, and a beacon for tech companies around the world. The awards recognize highly innovative products, services, and solutions from the academic, technical, market and future perspectives.

The Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award is one of the most prestigious "Minister Awards" presented by the Japanese government, alongside the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award and the Minister of Digital Transformation Award. It honors contributions that promote CPS and IoT and the realization of Society 5.0 by deploying advanced information communications, networks, data, AI and IoT, and their use in local communities.

1. About the Award-Winning Technology

Toshiba’s walk-through detection system detects and visualizes concealed hazardous materials and weapons in less than a second. Unlike the body scanners now in use in places like airports, which rely on microwave*2 radar and take approximately 3 to 5 seconds to complete a scan, the new system does not require individuals to stop, suiting it for use in public spaces, including train stations, shopping centers, and event venues.

Indiscriminate acts of terror in crowded public spaces have increased in recent years, and in Japan there is also a shortage of security personnel as the working-age population decreases. Toshiba’s award-winning system enhances the efficiency and labor-saving aspects of security, while also detecting dangerous objects that cannot be detected by metal detectors, such as gasoline, explosives and ceramic knives, all within one second. It can be deployed in a variety of public spaces to enhance community safety, security and sustainability.

2. Assessment by the CEATEC AWARD 2023 Selection Committee

In its citation, the CEATEC AWARD 2023 Selection Committee made the following observations on Toshiba’s secure space management solution.

“Safety is taken as a given in Japan, but the growing danger posed by criminals and terrorists using firearms and explosives will demonstrate that such optimism is unfounded. Currently, surveillance cameras and metal detectors are used to detect whether somebody is attempting to carry dangerous materials into locations with high security requirements, such as international conference centers and airports frequented by dignitaries. However, this approach is time-consuming, inconvenient, and may miss materials or firearms designed to evade detection.

‘In contrast, to provide walk-through security Toshiba’s Secure Space Management Solution utilizes a mmWave radar module designed for automotive applications and which can detect not only objects with familiar signatures but also unfamiliar objects that might pose a threat. The modular design means that this is suited for multiple applications, using common hardware paired with different software to provide additional features and functions. The system can be customized for different installations and can be used for various applications, such as nondestructive inspection which relies on mmWave characteristics. This solution was highly evaluated for being practical and marketable as well as for its effective use of electromagnetic waves.’’

Press Release: Toshiba to Exhibit at CEATEC 2023

*1: Millimeter waves have a frequency range of 30 GHz (gigahertz) to 300 GHz and a wavelength range of 1 millimeter to 1 centimeter. They have excellent resolution compared to microwaves. They also have high transparency, unlike visible light and infrared.
*2 : Microwaves have a frequency range of 3 GHz to 30 GHz and a wavelength range of 1 centimeter to 10 centimeters. They are used in applications like wireless LAN, satellite communications, defense, and weather radar.