Honeywell temperature monitors deployed at JFK Airport to screen tavelers

26 Nov 2020

ThermoRebellion uses thermal imaging and AI to spot elevated skin temperatures, such as caused by Covid-19 infection.

Engineering technology giant Honeywell has announced that air services provider Dubai National Air Transport Association (dnata) has deployed its ThermoRebellion temperature monitoring solution at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.

The aim is to screen travellers to detect elevated skin temperatures that could indicate viral infection. The installation partners say they are hoping to encourage travelers to “return to air travel with confidence.”

In partnership with dnata, Honeywell has now installed ThermoRebellion systems at each of the entrances to JFK’s International Terminal One to support passengers traveling on major airlines.

Aviation processes 'redefined'

“dnata USA is continuously seeking innovation and technology that provides leading-edge solutions to our customers’ most critical needs,” commented David Barker, CEO of dnata USA.

“The Covid-19 pandemic is redefining aviation processes and with the holiday season fast approaching, we wanted to deploy the best possible temperature-screening solution for passengers and airport personnel. The ThermoRebellion solution allows individual travelers to move through the screening process rapidly,” added Barker.

The ThermoRebellion system was designed to meet the recommendations set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in April 2020 to address the usage of thermal imaging systems during the Covid-19 pandemic (although Honeywell acknowledges that the system is not currently FDA 510k cleared).

Among other guidelines, the FDA recommends the use of a specialized device known as a “black body”, which enables the system to provide two points of reference to deliver the most accurate temperature readings.

The system complies with Section 889 of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act, which prohibits the U.S. government and government contractors from using video and telecommunications equipment required for these types of systems from specific companies and their subsidiaries.

The ThermoRebellion system incorporates infrared imaging technology and artificial intelligence algorithms to deliver highly accurate temperature measurements. As travelers pass in front of its thermal imaging camera, skin temperature is detected within seconds and displayed on a monitor, alerting airport personnel if travelers require additional screening.

Renaud Mazarguil, president of Honeywell’s Gas Analysis and Safety business, said, “With ThermoRebellion, we provide a solution that is easy to use and maintain. Our system integrates into customers’ existing IT infrastructure and complies with cybersecurity and data privacy regulations.”