October 31, 2004, Updated September 13, 2012

With the Magshoe metal detector, the passenger simply steps fully shoed onto the device, and the check is completed in 1.2 seconds.Terrorism is a clear and present danger that has grown to global proportions and threatens the very fabric of American daily lives. At airports, walk-though gate detectors are not reliable in detecting metal in shoes or on the lower body extremities. As a result, passengers at airport security check-in are required to remove their shoes to pass ‘securely’, causing passenger discomfort, anxiety and annoyance, air traffic delays and most importantly, compromised security!

But with the Magshoe metal detector developed by Israeli startup Ido Security, the passenger simply steps fully shoed onto the device, and the check is completed in 1.2 seconds. Magshoe speeds passengers quickly and easily through security without compromising safety alleviating passenger tension and reducing departure delays.

Among the areas checked are the shoes’ weight, amount of metal, and the difference between the two shoes. Results are displayed on a screen and with a buzzer if the shoe presents a potential threat. Using the most sensitive setting, sensors are able to detect objects as small as a cardboard knife blade.

Exterior extension detectors detect metal objects as large as handguns or gun parts.
The Magshoe has received a U.S. patent, and according to Business Development Manager Yoav Hirsh, has been sold to a number of locations. He added that the Magshoe is also designed for use in prisons, border crossings, railroad stations, prisons, stadiums, and any other high security portals such as VIP homes and offices, office buildings, and more.

“It’s the only device of its type in the world,” Hirsh told ISRAEL21c. He said the Magshoe was developed in cooperation with Israeli security services, and that the main people in the company all had background in defense services, including Gil Stiff, the founder and main shareholder. Working in their Rishon Lezion offices, Ido employs 12 people.

Hirsh said that the Magshoe was tested extensively in Israel and the company received a a technical certificate from the Prime Minister’s Office Technology Divison. In addition, after being in use at the Knesset for a number of months, the head of security Gideon Gorbagi wrote that the Magshoe had worked according to all expectations.

Since then, Hirsh said that the Magshoe received the CE standard in Europe following tests in Germany and England. The device has also gone through inspection by the American Homeland Security Department, and according to Hirsh, “they requested some minor modifications be made.”

So, before too long, those irksome security checks will be a thing of the past, and you won’t have to worry about traveling with undarned socks.

The Magshoe is just one of dozens of Israeli innovations that are interesting American homeland security officials these days. This week, a number of Israeli companies seeking U.S. homeland security allocations were presenting their wares at a conference in Washington D.C. organized by the Israel Export and International Cooperation Institute.

According to Globes, The US reported spends $40-50 billion a year on anti-terror and anti-violence measures. Export Institute industrial products division director Ronen Zahavy told Globes these allocations are virtually closed to Israeli companies. The Washington conference was intended to provide Israeli companies business opportunities and access to consumers of homeland security products.

Israeli technologies displayed at the conference included imaging systems based on satellite technology for immediate mapping of areas hit by weapons of mass destruction and for locating escape routes; a mobile barrier for blocking cars driven by suicide bombers, made by Mifram; an anti-carjacking system, an fingerprint-based computer terminal access system (instead of a password), made by Bio-Guard; illuminated cables for mass evacuation, made by Elam El Industries Ltd.; and a shock-resistant window, made by Integra.

Meanwhile, six Israeli other homeland security companies will be selected to participate in MarketReach America Homeland Security 2005, a business cooperation and development program that advises and assists Israeli homeland security companies with the commercialization of their products and technologies for the US market.

The Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) and Israel-based Trendlines Group, a business development company specializing in US market strategies, have announced the launch of the $400,000 program and the opening of the application period that ends on 12 December 2004.

The companies that win through to participate in the program will interact with top American security, technology and business experts.

According to MIDC executive director Barry Bogage, “Israeli companies are world-renowned for the development of innovative, cutting-edge technologies in the security sector. MarketReach America helps expand the horizons and opportunities for these companies by opening doors and providing access to leading US experts.”

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