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With artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies infiltrating all aspects of our modern life, it is no surprise that these technologies are increasingly being integrated into security systems to improve threat detection, surveillance, and response capabilities.
Marcel Bruyns, Sales Manager for Africa, Axis Communications, a supplier of network technology solutions, says that AI in the security industry is working well as it provides users with good information that allows them to make informed decisions based on specific events.
‘Understanding the limitations of AI and not expecting it to do everything is extremely important. The threat of possible job loss and the commitment of using technology in place of the human is often raised, but realistically the technology should be used to aid the security guard rather than replace them,’ he says.
‘For example, if technology was used to detect a number plate of a specific vehicle and allow that vehicle into the premises, what would happen if the technology does not see a number plate, the system would then need to trigger an event and a human would have to intervene. AI technology should be used to empower the security of the estate and in many cases, we have seen great results and return on investment. AI has also reduced the fault alarm rate aiding a more focused security team on site and further ensuring the safety of the estate and its community.’
New technologies for estates
Marcel shares that a number of new technologies on the market are allowing security teams to be even more effective at guarding.
For example, an IP strobe siren is now being used in Guard rooms to alert guards to alarms from different security systems. The Strobe uses five colours which can be configured based on different threat levels allowing the Guard to respond in the correct manner.
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‘As it is IP based, it can be used across multiple devices and systems, all sending the Alerts to a central point in the guard room. Just like the Strobe siren, the IP portfolio of audio devices has been seamlessly integrated into security systems. These audio devices include smart SIP microphones, enabling seamless communication across the entire estate,’ says Marcel.
These microphones also give guards the ability to switch on lights along the fence line once criminals have been detected and the audio devices allow the guards to communicate with them directly to ward off any crime from being committed.
‘AI technology is being improved constantly and today we see the benefit of device-to-device communication being improved dramatically. The use of thermal technology cameras in combination with audio devices like horn speakers in some security systems, work seamlessly as one device. The thermal camera is extremely reliable and accurate in detecting people in all weather conditions and easily communicates with the speaker and other visual cameras to effectively ward off criminals from the perimeter,’ he said.
Other ways AI and ML will change the industry
Marcel shares that other technologies being incorporated into Estate systems including radar technology being used to monitor speed in estates and coupled with a visual camera have given the estate visibility to reduce the vehicles speeding in the estate.
He says that body-worn cameras are also assisting in making sure conflict and crime is caught on camera and the technology behind the system is designed to keep the footage on secure servers so that it is not shared on social media platforms.
Looking forward, other ways we will see Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning changing technology in the security industry include:
- AI-powered security systems can analyse massive amounts of data from various sources in real time. They can detect and identify patterns, anomalies, and potential threats that may be missed by traditional systems. This enables proactive threat detection and faster response to security incidents.
- Machine learning algorithms can learn normal user behaviour and detect deviations from the baseline. This approach helps identify suspicious activities and insider threats that might go unnoticed using traditional signature-based methods.
- AI-driven automation can streamline security processes, such as log analysis, network monitoring, and incident response. This improves operational efficiency and reduces the time needed to investigate and resolve security issues.
- AI enables intelligent video analytics that can recognize objects, people, and events in surveillance footage. This significantly enhances the capabilities of video surveillance systems for security monitoring and investigations.
- Autonomous drones and robots are being used for surveillance and patrolling in certain security applications, reducing the need for human intervention in potentially dangerous environments.
