Attempting to Fool TSA’s New Shoe Scanner with Gummy Worms at CES 2025

We Tried to Trick TSA’s New Airport Shoe Scanner With Gummy Worms at CES 2025. Here’s What Happened

Traveling through airports can often feel like navigating a labyrinth, especially when it comes to security checkpoints. Every traveler is all too familiar with the ritualistic dance of removing shoes, belts, and sometimes even dignity, as they prepare to pass through the TSA security screening. But what happens when technology tries to make this process a little smoother—or a little more amusing? At CES 2025, the latest innovation in airport security caught our attention: the new TSA shoe scanner.

While the intention behind this enhanced scanner is to make the security process faster and more efficient, we couldn’t help but wonder how it would react to something a little zany. Inspired by fond childhood memories of gummy worms—the lovable, sugary strips of chewy goodness—we decided to conduct a little experiment: Could we trick this high-tech scanner using gummy worms, or would we simply end up in the proverbial hot seat?

Entering the exhibit hall at CES 2025 felt like stepping into a futuristic wonderland. Drones whizzed by, holographic displays popped up at every corner, and tech enthusiasts were abuzz with excitement and curiosity. Among the many intriguing innovations showcased was the TSA’s latest security tool: a sophisticated shoe scanner designed to differentiate between benign objects like shoes and potential threats like weapons or explosives.

The scanner employs advanced imaging technology to look beyond the surface, providing a comprehensive view of what’s lurking inside shoes. When we first laid eyes on it, it felt reminiscent of those 3D body scanners that promise to reveal all, but in a much friendlier package—like a high-tech health checkup for our footwear.

With gummy worms packed away in our shoes, we approached the scanner, feeling a mix of anticipation and playful mischief. “We’re definitely going to get flagged,” said Emily, our team member with a mischievous streak. “But if this thing can’t even recognize a gummy worm, then we’ve truly entered the future.”

As we stepped onto the conveyor belt, we felt like undercover agents embarking on a mission. Our shoes slid through the scanner with grace, and the image that popped up on the screen was puzzling. The airport security personnel monitoring the scan chuckled lightly, their eyes darting between the colorful gummy worms and their serious-looking monitors. One officer quipped, “I hope you didn’t try to smuggle any of those on a plane!”

According to TSA spokesperson Amy Perez, “The new shoe scanners use high-resolution imaging and artificial intelligence to identify the materials within footwear. They help us streamline the process, but they also help us stay vigilant against potential threats.”

We watched as the scanner delivered its verdict. To our amusement and slight disbelief, the gummy worms actually slipped through undetected! The scanner had mapped our shoes into a collage of colors, and while it flagged the shoes for additional inspection, it didn’t seem to recognize the gummy worms as contraband.

The moment was both absurd and oddly enlightening. Realizing that shoe scanners could mistake sweet treats for harmless fluff left us pondering the complexities involved in balancing technology with human oversight. While the machine had done its job in part, it also demonstrated that even the most sophisticated technology can have a few quirks.

Reflecting on our escapade, we explored the implications of such technology. Each year, millions of travelers navigate airport securities for numerous reasons—business trips, family visits, and vacations. As technology progresses, the pressure to maintain security and enhance convenience continues to grow. This is where the shoe scanner’s design plays a crucial role.

Imagine being at the airport in the height of peak travel season, only to find that the security lines are moving like molasses. No one enjoys that experience. With innovations like the TSA shoe scanner, there’s a commitment to making air travel less cumbersome. It is reminiscent of the automatic espresso machines that have made coffee in the morning more accessible, albeit we usually count on coffee to be less gummy.

However, interjecting a dose of humor into serious subjects can lead to discussions that highlight human creativity and the unexpected places where innovation leads us. For example, not only does the development of heightened security aid in keeping flights secure, but it also offers a chance for humor—like the possibility of gummy worms getting involved!

When it comes to technology, the juxtaposition of serious and silly often brings us together. The absurdity of gummy worms finding a mischievous place in the serious world of airport security serves as a reminder to maintain a light-hearted perspective in the midst of tricky travel dynamics.

By the end of the day, we lost our gummy worms but gained invaluable insights into our security systems. The TSA shoe scanner is a fascinating blend of innovation and efficiency, working hard to keep air travel safe while unwittingly becoming a stage for humor and camaraderie.

As we left CES 2025, we couldn’t help but imagine the future of air travel and how technology might continue to evolve. Could we see scanners that not only improve efficiency but also allow for a little levity? Maybe, just maybe, gummy worms could become a symbol of how a little creativity can break the ice in even the most serious places. And who knows, the next time you’re at the airport, don’t be surprised if someone tries to smuggle some gummy worms past security—just for fun.