Minnesota State Capitol Deploys AI-Powered Security Checkpoints

New system aims to enhance security with seamless, accurate screening process

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The Minnesota State Capitol has implemented a new AI-powered security system at its entrances, replacing traditional metal detectors. The system analyzes the shape, density, and material composition of objects as people walk through, allowing for a faster and more accurate screening process that can detect a wider range of potential threats, including 3D-printed weapons.

Why it matters

The deployment of this AI-based security system at the state capitol highlights the growing use of advanced technology to enhance public safety, particularly in high-traffic, sensitive locations. However, the technology is not without its limitations, and concerns remain about its accuracy and potential for false positives.

The details

The new AI security checkpoints at the Minnesota State Capitol are designed to provide a seamless and efficient screening process for visitors and lawmakers. Unlike traditional metal detectors, the system analyzes the shape, density, and material composition of objects, allowing it to detect a broader range of potential threats, including 3D-printed weapons. The system has been trained on thousands of examples of banned items to improve its accuracy, but it is not perfect, as evidenced by a BBC study that found the system struggled to detect large knives. To address this, the system's sensitivity has been increased, but that has led to a rise in false positive detections.

  • The new AI security checkpoints were implemented at the start of the Minnesota Legislature's 2026 session.

The players

Peg Lonnquist

A visitor to the Minnesota State Capitol who found the new AI security checkpoints to be easy and efficient.

Scuffy Paulson

A visitor from Rushford, Minnesota who was pleasantly surprised by the simplicity of the new AI security checkpoints.

Dr. Manjeet Rege

The director of the Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence at the University of St. Thomas, who provided insight into how the AI security system works and its potential benefits and limitations.

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What they’re saying

“It was easy. I got to a lot of sports games, and you have to do more to prepare for that.”

— Peg Lonnquist (CBS News)

“I had been through checkpoints before and assumed that you had to show everything metal that you had on you. (Security) said you just walk through. Pretty simple, pretty painless.”

— Scuffy Paulson (CBS News)

“AI security detection works by analyzing the shape, the density, and the material composition of objects as people walk through a scanner. It is not guessing. It is matching what it sees against learned examples, which allows it to detect a broader set of potential hazards and with a lot more greater precision.”

— Dr. Manjeet Rege, Director, Center for Applied Artificial Intelligence, University of St. Thomas (CBS News)

What’s next

The Minnesota State Capitol will continue to monitor the performance of the new AI-powered security checkpoints and make any necessary adjustments to ensure optimal accuracy and efficiency.

The takeaway

The deployment of AI-based security screening at the Minnesota State Capitol represents a shift towards more advanced, technology-driven approaches to public safety. While the system offers potential benefits in terms of speed and detection capabilities, ongoing vigilance and a hybrid model involving both AI and human judgment will be crucial to ensuring the system's effectiveness and addressing any limitations.