The International Remote Baggage Screening (IRBS) project showcases the extensive experience that Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has in working alongside U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), as well as its proficiency in nonintrusive inspection systems, data engineering, cloud computing, and systems integration.
IRBS allows passengers traveling from designated international airports to experience a secure and seamless entry process into the United States, reducing connection times for domestic and international flights. Currently, international travelers entering the United States must claim their baggage and navigate TSA and customs processes before boarding domestic flights. Through IRBS, X-ray images of checked baggage for U.S.-bound passengers are transmitted, allowing CBP to remotely screen it while the aircraft is in flight. This proactive approach enhances security, expedites processing, and eliminates the need for passengers to recheck their bags upon arrival, unless specifically referred for further inspection.
The IRBS project revolutionizes this process by allowing CBP and TSA officers to review computed tomography images of checked luggage prior to the customer’s arrival. In partnership with Delta Air Lines, the project has been successfully piloted with flights from locations such as Incheon International Airport in Seoul, South Korea, and London Heathrow, to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport—with more airports coming soon.
This seamless collaboration through cloud-based integrations among major airlines, international customs agencies, CBP, and TSA significantly improves the traveler’s experience while further bolstering national security.