TRAVELLERS to the US and Canada may soon be forced to undergo a lie detector test as a standard part of airport security.

The Automated Virtual Agent for Truth Assessments in Real Time (AVATAR) is currently being tested by the Canadian Border Services Agency and the US Department of Homeland Security.

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The robot — programmed to look for physiological changes that indicate lying through eye-detection software and other sensors — could help border agents catch terrorists or drug traffickers, according to San Diego State University researchers.

“AVATAR is a kiosk, much like an airport check-in or grocery store self-checkout kiosk,” San Diego State University management information systems

“However, this kiosk has a face on the screen that asks questions of travellers and can detect changes in physiology and behavior during the interview. The system can detect changes in the eyes, voice, gestures and posture to determine potential risk. It can even tell when you’re curling your toes."

Passengers would be made to step up to the kiosk, then answer a series of questions such as, “Do you have fruits or vegetables in your luggage?” or “Are you carrying any weapons with you?”

If lying is detected, a passenger is taken aside for further screening. Passengers are also asked a series of simple questions to measure whether they are simply anxious about flying.

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Elkins believes the kiosk — which he says is bilingual and polite — could be used not just for border security, but also for law enforcement and even job interviews.

“AVATAR has been tested in labs, in airports and at border crossing stations,” Elkins explained.

“The system is fully ready for implementation to help stem the flow of contraband, thwart fleeing criminals, and detect potential terrorists and many other applications in the effort to secure international borders.”