Reveal metal objects with Wi-Fi; overexcited engineers think security

Enlarge / Even in 2018, there's still a wooden sign proudly advertising "Free Wi-Fi." (credit: Cyrus Farivar)

One of the least fun jobs when writing a scientific paper is coming up with a motivation. It should be easy and fun: look at this awesomely cool thing we did-aren't the results interesting? Instead, we typically have to claim to reveal the secrets of the Universe, cure cancer, or protect the public. Preferably all three at the same time.

A recent paper (PDF) on using Wi-Fi as an environmental sensor has some really exciting results. But my heart shrank three sizes after reading the following: "Traditional baggage check involves either high manpower for manual examinations or expensive and specialized instruments, such as X-ray and CT. As such, many public places (i.e., museums and schools) that lack of strict security check are exposed to high risk."

As I said, the research is totally cool. It's just not likely to ever help with security unless molesting people with hip replacements is your version of improved security.

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