AI scanner used in hundreds of US schools misses knives

A security firm called Evolv Technology, which sells AI weapons scanners to schools, is facing scrutiny after a student was stabbed with a knife that the system failed to detect. The incident occurred at Proctor High School in Utica, New York, where an 18-year-old student suffered multiple stab wounds.

Evolv's scanner, which combines sensor technology with artificial intelligence to detect weapons, did not identify the knife used in the attack. The company had previously claimed high accuracy and the ability to create "weapons-free zones." However, a BBC investigation revealed that the system struggled to detect large knives in previous tests. Despite this, Evolv has been expanding into schools and is reportedly used in hundreds of them across the US. After the incident, the school district removed the scanners from Proctor High School and replaced them with metal detectors. However, the scanners are still operational in the district's other schools.

Several knives have since been discovered on students, not through the scanners but through other means. Critics argue that Evolv has exaggerated the effectiveness of its system and that the company has not provided sufficient information about its technology. Evolv did not respond to the BBC's questions regarding the incident.

Story at https://news.yahoo.com/ai-scanner-used-hundreds-us-072110747.html