When the scanner is being used, employees walk between two tall blades/columns at a regular pace. “We scan at the speed of life,” says Bill McAteer, an Evolv account executive. “Just walk through at your normal pace with your hands at your side.”
The millimeter wave technology scans individuals as they approach the device for nonmetallic threats. It bounces microwaves off the body, looking for dense materials consistent with that of a “suicide vest” between the skin and clothing. The blades on the device are the metal detectors that screen for weapons. As employees walk beyond the blades, more microwaves complete the search.
Incorporated smart technology provides security officers with a report on a mobile tablet before each employee leaves the device. If an anomaly is detected, a square will appear on a body image at the location in question, and the officer will pat the individual down or use a hand wand to check for security threats or banned items.
Mansel reports that the scanner has not detected any guns coming into the airport, but it has caught knives. Some were deemed necessary for an employee’s job; the rest were confiscated.
Throughput
In total, OAK has about 6,500 security badge holders. Depending on the day and shift, the airport runs 75 to 100 workers an hour through its employee checkpoint.

“The machine has great throughput, which is one of the reasons we like it so much,” Mansel remarks.

The Edge can screen 600 to 800 people per hour, which meets the peak traffic periods at shift changes and is much more efficient than the throughput capabilities of a metal detector, notes McAteer.