Grand Rapids Hospital Implements New Threat Detection Technology at Emergency Entrance

University of Michigan Health-West has selected Xtract One Technologies' SmartGateway system to enhance security at its emergency department entrance in Wyoming, Michigan.

The initial deployment marks the first of up to 20 potential installations across Michigan and aims to prioritize proactive protection for patients, staff, and visitors.

"Healthcare environments require security solutions that are both proactive and unobtrusive, particularly in emergency departments where space is limited and patient care must remain the top priority," said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One.

The SmartGateway technology utilizes AI-powered sensors to discreetly scan for weapons and other prohibited items upon entry. This approach replaces traditional metal detectors and eliminates the need for individuals to remove personal items during screening.

Proactive Security Without Disruption

University of Michigan Health-West, which serves more than 61,000 emergency patients annually, was seeking to improve upon prior security choices and deliver a proactive solution to address its primary concern: preventing prohibited items and weapons from entering the emergency department.

"We're always looking for ways to keep our patients, visitors and team members safe," said Gary Gorski, director of security at UM Health-West. "After seeing the technology in action, we felt this was a practical, proactive step to help detect weapons while keeping the experience smooth for everyone who comes through our doors."

The system was drawn to SmartGateway's AI-driven detection capabilities and the system's compact footprint, which allows it to fit within the organization's narrow emergency department hallways. SmartGateways can also operate effectively outdoors in West Michigan's climate.

Key Features of SmartGateway Technology

The SmartGateway system delivers several advantages for healthcare facilities:

• Fast, discreet, and accurate individual screening utilizing AI-powered sensors
• Unobtrusive scanning that does not require individuals to remove personal items
• Enhanced individual privacy and comfort while maximizing security screening outcomes
• Seamless passage through checkpoints promoting uninterrupted flow of movement for high-traffic environments
• Increased detection performance and reduced congestion at security checkpoints
• Welcoming visitor experiences that maintain a safe and welcoming care environment

The technology is designed to enable seamless passage through checkpoints and promote the uninterrupted flow of movement for high-traffic environments. In working with security teams, SmartGateway enables increased detection performance, reduced congestion, and welcoming visitor experiences.

About University of Michigan Health-West

University of Michigan Health-West is a nonprofit multispecialty medical provider relentlessly advancing health to serve West Michigan as part of the state's top-ranked health system. Founded in Grand Rapids in 1942 by a group of osteopathic doctors, the organization now serves more than 250,000 patients annually at 30 locations across four counties.

The Wyoming campus includes a 208-bed teaching hospital, a Verified Level II Trauma Center, certified Comprehensive Stroke Center, and accredited Chest Pain Center. In 2025, UM Health-West earned Magnet with Distinction designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, placing the hospital among the highest-performing hospitals nationwide for nursing excellence and patient outcomes.

More than 61,000 emergency patients are treated each year at their hospital, and the organization's physician-led medical group, University of Michigan Health Partners, ensures excellence and convenient access to primary and specialty care.

"By deploying our AI-driven system, UM Health-West is taking a forward-looking approach to detecting weapons and in turn, preserving a safe and welcoming care environment. We are proud of this meaningful opportunity to work with U-M, and more specifically deliver the outcomes they imagined but did not receive with prior solution choices," said Evans.

Future Deployments

This initial deployment at UM Health-West marks the first of up to 20 potential installations across Michigan. Xtract One's innovative portfolio of AI-powered Gateway solutions is recognized as a market leader delivering the highest security in combination with the best individual experience.

The company's solutions are built to serve the unique market needs for schools, hospitals, arenas, stadiums, manufacturing, distribution, and other customers.

About Xtract One Technologies

Xtract One Technologies is a leading technology-driven provider of threat detection and security solutions leveraging AI to deliver seamless and secure experiences. The company makes unobtrusive weapons and threat detection systems that are designed to assist facility operators in prioritizing and delivering improved Walk-right-In experiences while enhancing safety.

Xtract One's head office is located at 55 York Street, Suite 1100 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, with a Western office at Unit 208, 128 West 6th Avenue in Toronto.

Sources

• Xtract One Technologies press release: https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2026/03/26/3262882/0/en/Xtract-One-Selected-by-University-of-Michigan-Health-West-to-Strengthen-Emergency-Department-Security.html