The EU-funded METICOS project was initiated in response to an observed lack of acceptance of smart border control technologies, among both travellers and border control agencies. Running from 2020 to 2023, the project aimed to predict and explain the acceptance or rejection of smart border technologies, using this information to help change the trajectory towards the widespread use of no-gate security solutions.

During its run, the METICOS project developed numerous models and solutions for measuring metrics such as technology anxiety and performance expectancy as well as other variables. Behavioural patterns exhibited by people passing through a smart EU border control system, as well as patterns relating to how travellers or border control staff accept smart border control technologies, were identified. Different automated border control gates were tested using virtual reality, and the level of user acceptance was measured.

On 25 April 2025, the Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs shared information about the project’s outcome and its potential to provide border management organisations with evidence-based decision-making tools that balance security with traveller privacy. These tools ultimately enable seamless and secure border crossings, to advance the uptake and acceptance of no-gate border checks and security solutions.