AI and the Future of Video Surveillance
There’s a lot of science fiction surrounding artificial intelligence (AI), but far from an alien or robotic villain set to take over the world, AI is a powerful tool that helps security and IT teams work smarter. In advanced video surveillance systems, AI algorithms help monitor and protect facilities from security threats.
How will AI affect video surveillance for enhanced security in the future?
What AI is — and isn’t — in video surveillance
Popular movies attribute sinister characteristics to all things AI-related, but an AI algorithm is no more sinister than your laptop or smartphone. The reality of AI, particularly in video surveillance, is an evolution of the software powering the security tools for protecting public and private facilities. The latest in AI innovation elevates the power and intelligence of video surveillance.
At a basic level, an AI is technology driven by specific programming algorithms. These algorithms enable your smart devices to converse with you and one another, map applications to specific locations, provide directions to your next destination, and even search Google to find the answers you need.
In computer language, those same underlying sequences of numbers, words, and symbols can create machine learning capability. Machine learning, a subset of AI, allows software to “learn” from processes and past behaviors. Machine learning improves the performance of modern video surveillance cameras over time — a huge benefit for business owners and facility managers seeking to secure their assets.
Benefits of AI in video surveillance
Perhaps the biggest benefit of AI in video surveillance is improved software accuracy over time with no additional human effort. An AI’s ability to learn supports:
Increased visibility across an expansive property. The biggest problem for organizations with large, dispersed facilities is keeping “eyes-on” in all places at all times. AI-powered video surveillance systems can process information faster than humans and flag problems for a more efficient response.
Pattern recognition for identifying suspicious behavior. These patterns may include repeated visits by the same cars or atypical after-hours pedestrian activity, which could signal a potential threat.
Automated business and security features. Advanced automation features allow cameras to function, run analytics, and reduce or eliminate routine security tasks.
Reduced liability. By reducing the workload for security teams, AI helps companies manage risk and reduce potential liability problems.
Enhanced searchability of video footage. Modern cameras tag surveillance images for easier searchability. Most systems now store data in the cloud for simple and secure access to footage.
These benefits virtually guarantee AI’s ongoing impact on video surveillance technology.
How will AI improve video surveillance in the future?
The future of video surveillance is irrevocably linked to artificial intelligence. There are millions of cameras without enough personnel to consistently monitor them. AI can process incoming video in real time to flag, analyze, alert, and recommend an appropriate response to suspicious behavior. AI automation, enhanced with machine learning, will continue to drive smart security solutions in the future.
AI video surveillance will:
Monitor perimeter safety across a dispersed geographic footprint and flag anomalies for humans to spot check.
Automate parking lot access to prohibit entry before fees are paid. Statistical data can track the number of vehicle entries and the length of each vehicle’s stay.
Flag potential security threats by identifying specific behavioral characteristics before they escalate — and continuously improving performance via machine learning.
Today, data shows at least 75 of 176 countries are using AI for surveillance. These same video surveillance tools are available for public and private organizations. AI processes real-time data to provide human decision-makers the information they need to maintain facility security and protect life safety.
TRL Systems designs, installs, and maintains smart, integrated fire, life safety, and security systems. Contact us at fire@TRLSystems.com, or call us at 1-800-266-1392, today.