24 partners from 8 European countries have come together to ensure a wide range of skills and technical knowledge needed to pursue the ambitious objectives of BAG-INTEL. Coordinated by Henrik Larsen (Legind Technologies A/S, Denmark), the BAG-INTEL consortium is highly diverse and composed of industrial players, consultancy and advisory firms, universities and research organizations, ministries, customs and tax authorities, and civil authorities.
Legind Technologies develops advanced intelligence and security solutions, including system analysis, solution concepts, system design, software development, and implementation. Techniques include artificial intelligence, object recognition, search engines, graph databases, data analytics, data fusion and integration, risk assessment, decision-making under uncertainty, cryptography, error detection codes, and software engineering. Legind Technologies was created by Henrik Legind Larsen as a spin-off from his research as a professor in computer science at Roskilde University and Aalborg University (both in Denmark), including as leader of the Computational Intelligence and Security Lab (CISLab) at the Department of Electronic Systems (at the latter university).
In BAG-INTEL, Legind Technologies leads three Work Packages: ‘Project Management and Coordination’, ‘AI-Based Decision Support Tools for Customs’, and ‘Ethics’.
The French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) is a public research and technology organization with activities focused on energy, information technology, healthcare, defense, and security.
In BAG-INTEL, CEA focuses on developing AI models for detection and re-identification. The detection tool will use the live video feeds from visible RGB cameras of a scene to extract visual signatures of each bag while the re-identification tool will compare those signatures to assess the similarity of bags passing through the customs zone with bags seen at the X-ray scanner with a certain degree of risk.
Founded in 1531, the University of Granada (UGR) is one of the largest and most important universities in Spain offering over 90 undergraduate degrees, 164 master’s degrees, and 28 doctoral programs via its 124 departments and nearly 50 centers.
UGR’s multidisciplinary team is involved in several aspects of the BAG-INTEL project. The researchers from the Department of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence bring in their expertise in data processing and knowledge management, data science, big data, and artificial intelligence to build a knowledge information system and improve the decision-making process by applying machine learning techniques while the researchers from the Department of Law bring their expertise in privacy laws and ethics to address the legal aspects of the use of sensitive data and to guarantee privacy protection in accordance with the EU regulations.
STAM is a multidisciplinary engineering company focused on high-tech solutions in several key sectors including security and transport, industry 4.0 and robotics, space and defense, and energy and bio-circular economy.
Within BAG-INTEL, STAM focuses on the development of advanced digital twin technology to improve airport operations and security, which involves creating a virtual replica of airport baggage handling systems, using sophisticated simulation methods, such as agent modeling to replicate baggage flows, passenger interactions, and security procedures. STAM is also involved in the creation of a digital twin-based decision support system for customs, which includes supporting customs management decisions regarding staffing for flight arrivals, managing customs shifts to avoid understaffing or overstaffing, generating performance reports for customs management, and conducting what-if simulations for decision support. By leveraging the digital twin technology, STAM enables customs authorities to make informed decisions, optimize resource allocation, and enhance overall efficiency in airport operations.
Netcompany-Intrasoft (previously known as INTRASOFT International) is a leading European IT Solutions and Services Group with a strong international presence and expertise, offering innovative and added-value solutions to a wide range of public and private organizations.
In BAG-INTEL, the Netcompany-Intrasoft’s Research and Innovation Development department has undertaken the critical roles of Technical Coordinator and System Integrator, in addition to leading the Use Case Requirements, Framework Architecture, and System Integration Work Package. With proven expertise in advanced application development and integration services, INTRA is responsible for the integration of a complex BAG-INTEL platform that combines high-resolution cameras and robust AI, to provide an end-to-end continuous reidentification of the luggage.
Martel is a dynamic Swiss-based consultancy firm with 25+ years of experience in managing research and innovation projects across various domains.
Drawing upon the blend of its team’s scientific, project management, and communication backgrounds, Martel took on two roles within BAG-INTEL – the leadership of the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Work Package and supporting the Project Coordinator in project management tasks.
The National Institute of Applied Sciences of Rouen is part of the INSA network of engineering schools whose mission is to provide national and international excellence in engineering education, scientific research, industrial development, and training.
Its Laboratory of Mechanics of Normandy (LMN), which has competencies in experimental aspects, data analysis, deterministic and stochastic modeling, numerical analysis, metamodels, optimization, and reliability, contributes to BAG-INTEL’s risk analysis activities to support customs inspection decision-making.
Isdefe is a state-owned, non-for-profit systems engineering company governed by the Spanish Ministry of Defense providing solutions to the national and international challenges faced by the government through its engineering, consulting, and technical assistance services in the areas of defense and security, space, transport, ICT, and energy, among others.
Within BAG-INTEL, Isdefe assists end users in conveying their requirements and needs for the smooth development of the third project use case.
KEMEA is a think tank on homeland security policies and an established research center within the Hellenic Ministry of Citizen Protection, aiming to support security policy implementations in Greece at a strategic level. KEMEA’s main objective is to enable collaboration among all national Law Enforcement Agencies (Police, Fire Service, Coast Guard, Civil Protection Agency, etc.) and interconnect them with corresponding agencies, research institutions, and the industry from around Europe.
In BAG-INTEL, KEMEA leads the use case demonstration, system evaluation, and end-user training while also actively supporting the second project use case and all of the project’s operational demonstrations.
Founded in 1995, DBC is a leading Greek firm specializing in delivering tailored services to both public and private sector organizations. DBC offers a comprehensive suite of services, including ICT consulting, financial advisory, program and project management, and the commercialization of innovative solutions, with a strong focus on research domains spanning ICT, energy, environment, security, health, transportation, and food.
In BAG-INTEL, DBC plays a leading role in several tasks including data management and exploitation.
The Spanish Civil Guard (GUCI) is one of the two national law enforcement agencies of Spain. It is military in nature and responsible for civil policing under the authority of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense. Its main objectives are to guarantee the protection of citizens against criminal acts, ensure compliance with the law, defend the free exercise of rights and freedoms, and maintain public security. GUCI performs a wide spectrum of police duties, such as criminal investigations, customs controls, protection of coasts, borders, territorial waters, seaports, and airports, and control over weapons and explosives.
Within BAG-INTEL, GUCI defines end-user requirements, specifically related to the graphical user interface of the system that supports visual decision-making, in addition to contributing to the collection of data for the detection of contraband. GUCI will also have an important role in the testing and use case demonstration at the Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas airport.
One of four operating divisions of the Smiths Group, a global technology company listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths Detection is a global leader in detection and security screening technologies for aviation, ports and borders, urban security, and defense sectors.
Smiths Detection’s involvement in BAG-INTEL comprises the provision of the X-ray scanner to be used for scanning bags. The company will also record reference images of drugs and other contraband and develop an automatic detection algorithm for those objects in bags.
Fraport Greece is a leading airport operator and management company active across 14 regional airports on the Greek mainland and islands. Established in 2017, the company is a joint venture of Fraport AG Frankfurt Airport Services Worldwide, Copelouzos Group, and Marguerite (the 2020 European Fund for Energy, Climate Change and Infrastructure).
Within BAG-INTEL, Fraport Greece has a leading role in the solution’s demonstration, testing, and evaluation execution. It provides the operational environment for the second project use case at the Thessaloniki Airport “Makedonia,” and coordinates the relevant activities at other project pilot sites. Fraport Greece also supports the development of the solution, specifically the suspect bags’ identification, luggage risk assessment, and the system modeling and simulation via a digital twin.
The Independent Authority for Public Revenue (IAPR) safeguards public revenue in Greece, by promoting tax compliance and combating tax evasion and smuggling, while providing high-quality services to citizens and businesses.
Acting as one of the BAG-INTEL end users, IAPR shares its knowledge about customs procedures and assists in the overall handling of the project, defining requirements, collecting data from scanning devices, assisting in field tests, and evaluating the results.
The Estonian Tax and Customs Board (ETCB) is the taxation authority of the Republic of Estonia.
Within BAG-INTEL, the ETCB contributes to defining use case requirements by leveraging its team’s expertise in customs procedures. It also facilitates the integration of AI-based decision support tools ensuring proper data management. ETCB assists in the development and validation of AI models to enhance decision-making processes and supports the planning and execution of developed solutions testing, including evaluating functionality, performance, and sustainability. Finally, ETCB helps evaluate the implemented use cases, analyzing their impact on customs operations and providing recommendations for continuous improvement.
The Danish Customs Agency facilitates smooth trade across Denmark’s exterior borders while ensuring effective customs controls. Together with the other agencies under the Ministry of Taxation, the Danish Customs Agency ensures the foundation for financing the public sector in Denmark.
The agency brings its knowledge of the control of commercial aviation with the customs officers located at the Billund Airport and provides end-user requirements, testing, and a location for the demonstration of the technology.
The Department of Customs and Excise (DAIIEE), dependent on the Spanish State Tax Administration Agency (AEAT), is entrusted with the mission of fighting against tobacco smuggling, counterfeiting, illegal trade, money laundering, and fraud. To fulfill its objective, DAIIEE is constantly searching for effective, integral solutions that provide greater flexibility and mobility and a greater degree of efficiency.
Within BAG-INTEL, it contributes to defining end-user requirements, data collection, and sharing its experience and knowledge of the customs processes.
Hellenic Police is a Greek Law Enforcement Agency whose mission is to ensure peace and order as well as citizens’ unhindered social development. Within BAG-INTEL, its officers provide assistance in tasks related to the following issues:
- Obtaining substances to be used during the pilot tests.
- Information on the methods, procedures, and relevant legislation for screening hand luggage with X-rays in airports.
- Information on the systems datasets that are already maintained in Greece or that will be completed and concern the movement of passengers in airports, as well as information about data collection, storage, and sharing.
The Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency is the public body responsible for all functions related to the management and collection of customs duties, VAT, excise duties, controls, anti-fraud activities, as well as controls on other infringements.
The Agency contributes to BAG-INTEL by sharing experiences and best practices gained in the daily use of the X-ray scanner equipment and supporting the user requirements definition phase.
CONCEPTIVITY +360 Security, based in Switzerland, addresses advanced cybersecurity and supply chain security issues in policy, regulatory, legislation, standardisation, compliance and project management areas. The company has proven proficiency in government advisory, private sector security, risk management, and digital protection, all focused upon the protection and security of the European citizen.
Based on its own software products, PSI Group develops and integrates complete solutions for optimizing the flow of energy and materials for utilities (energy networks, energy trading, public transport) and industry (mining, metals production, automotive, mechanical engineering, logistics).
Founded in 1989, ICCS is an independent, non-profit research organization dedicated to advancing the values, mission, and strategic goals of the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). Over the years, ICCS has exemplified the University’s commitment to scholarly excellence, fostering the integration of research and teaching. It has made significant contributions to Greece’s scientific achievements in computational science and engineering.
EXUS is conducting research in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), harnessing the power of data for solving problems in multiple domains of human activity. Their ambition is to design and implement AI, cutting-edge, prototype solutions that support professionals in the fields of Health, Security, Creativity & Learning among others, while adding value to our product’s customers. Over their 25-year history, EXUS’ AI labs have participated in numerous European research programmes being in several occasions the coordinator of complex projects in the above fields.
The University of Applied Sciences for Public Administration and Legal Affairs in Bavaria comprises six departments, ten study locations, eleven dual study programmes. This is where the future specialists and managers of the entire Bavarian state administration, the municipalities and the German pension insurance scheme study.