Xtract One selected to deliver advanced security at The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions and home to historically significant artefacts including the Rosetta Stone. SmartGateway has been chosen to meet rigorous protection standards, while also facilitating seamless ingress and flexible operations.

Testing results showed SmartGateway delivered materially stronger detection performance and ingress processing speed than The British Museum’s previous screening methods. Up to three times faster, in fact, with peak throughput reaching approximately 750 people per 15-minute interval per lane.

The system’s portable design also demonstrates adjustable perimeter placement, enabling security teams to expand or contract screening zones based on threat levels, event profiles and visitor volume (all of which are important criteria for one of the world’s most visited museums).

The British Museum’s selection of SmartGateway reflects a broader shift among major cultural institutions towards technology-enabled screening that strengthens security, while in parallel maintaining high-throughput visitor flow.

Measurable performance improvement

“Institutions of this scale and cultural importance require security solutions that demonstrate measurable performance improvement including safer environments and an efficient guest experience,” explained Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One.

Further, Evans noted: “SmartGateway showed clear gains in detection capability and throughput during evaluation, showcasing its power and flexibility. We’re proud to support The British Museum with technology that enhances protection, while also preserving an efficient and welcoming entry experience for visitors.”

Jack Bennett, head of operations at The British Museum, responded: “Protecting a site of this size and significance demands proven efficacy and operational flexibility. We were impressed with how SmartGateway demonstrated unrestrained portability and outperformed our previous screening methods, as well as other tested solutions, during rigorous testing.”

On that note, Bennett added: “This flexibility will be integral in our operational efforts to address changing conditions and security needs. The combination of effectiveness, speed and adaptability made SmartGateway the right choice for our venue.”

Multi-sensor technology 

SmartGateway is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered detection system designed for high-traffic, security-sensitive environments. Using advanced AI-powered multi-sensor technology, the system identifies weapons and prohibited items without requiring guests to stop or remove their personal belongings, thereby enabling a seamless entry experience.

Its modular and portable design allows venues to expand or reposition security perimeters as needed, while the streamlined physical footprint supports architecturally important locations.

SmartGateway enables security teams to increase detection performance, reduce congestion and maintain a smooth and welcoming visitor experience.

*Further information is available online at www.xtractone.com