More FACT ... ASM Global tested Evolv for 2 years in USA AO Arena, operated by ASM Global, is the first arena in Europe to use Evolv’s technology as part of its £50m (€59.5m/$60.9m) investment into Manchester’s venue, which was the scene of the May 2017 terrorist attack which killed 22 people following an Ariana Grande concert.
AO Arena (pictured) has been using AI-based threat detection screening system, Evolv Express, to screen guests as they arrive at the venue for events, without the need to stop or remove items from their pockets or policy-compliant bags. So far, the system has been used for eight shows welcoming over 54,000 guests, with a full roll-out planned for September.
As part of the new partnership, ASM has been working closely with Evolv to ensure the technology has been tested to government standards in both the UK and US, as well as collaborating on further improvements and continuous development.
Gary Simpson, director of safety security and risk for ASM Global, said: “We have been working with Evolv for over two years supporting the testing and development of the Evolv Express system.
“The detection technology has been used for some time in America but this is the first such deployment at an arena in Europe. Given the positive experience at the AO Arena, Manchester we are planning a further roll out to other venues in Europe as part of our VenueShield programme.”