physiology and behaviour during interviews with travellers.
The Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real-Time
(AVATAR) is currently being tested to help border security agents
determine whether travellers coming into Canada may have hidden
motives for entering the country.
AVATAR is a kiosk, similar to airport check-in or grocery check-out
kiosks. However, this kiosk has a face on the screen that asks
questions to travellers can detect changes in physiology and behaviour
while they are asked questions.
The system can apparently detect changes in the eyes, voice, gestures
and posture to determine potential risk. It can even tell when you are
curling your toes.
Passengers would step up to the kiosk and be asked a series of
questions such as, “Do you have fruits or vegetables in your luggage”
or “Are you carrying any weapons with you?” Eye-detection software and
motion and pressure sensors would be used to look for physiological
signs of lying or discomfort.
scrutinised by authorities. AVATAR has been tested in labs, in
airports and at border crossing stations.