AI security cameras: The next generation of video security

What is an AI security camera system?

An AI security camera, also known as an AI smart camera, is a type of CCTV camera that is powered by artificial intelligence. In addition to doing the same operation as a non-AI surveillance camera, which is recording footage, an AI security camera system uses machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret what is happening in a scene in real-time.

Based on the visual data these smart solutions collect, they can learn, adapt and alert video security operators to anomalies detected in a scene. These alerts can be based on unusual motion, license plate recognition (LPR) and temperature fluctuations, among many other triggers. AI security cameras can also classify objects in a scene, such as humans, vehicles and other objects. As a result, an AI-powered security camera is more intelligent and accurate in analyzing and detecting potential threats or anomalies than a standard security camera.

How do AI security cameras work?

AI camera systems utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze and interpret what is happening in a scene in real-time. These algorithms are based on what the technology has been preset with (i.e., the movement of a vehicle in the wrong direction) or what it has learned from a given scene over time. By analyzing visual data, the AI surveillance system can learn to identify objects and recognize patterns that constitute a ​“normal” scene.

When an AI CCTV camera detects activity that differs from the norm, it sends an instant alert to the video management system (VMS) for the operator’s attention. These alerts can be based on different AI analytics, ranging from unusual motion to LPR. The AI detection camera system can differentiate between humans, vehicles and other objects, lending to greater intelligence that provides more accurate analysis and alerts. 

Capabilities of AI-powered cameras

Modern CCTV cameras with artificial intelligence can support security teams in numerous ways with capabilities that detect and analyze different situations. Below is a list of key analytics capabilities an AI-powered security camera can offer.

1. Object detection

AI security cameras can detect objects in a scene, such as humans, animals and vehicles. By differentiating between objects, the AI security camera can accurately analyze if the object in the scene goes against the learned patterns and warrants an alert. The more advanced AI camera systems, such as those from Pelco, can further analyze an object by classifying the type, such as the vehicle type.

2. Facial recognition

Facial recognition is arguably an AI CCTV camera’s most talked about capability. It analyzes an individual’s facial features and looks to match this with an existing record in the database. As a result, facial recognition technology can deduce if an unknown person or if a person of interest from the watch list has appeared on the scene, prompting an alert.

3. Unusual activity

By learning what typical activity looks like, an AI security camera system can flag when events take place that go beyond ​“normal” scene activity. This could be unusual motion, objects in unusual locations or traveling at atypical speeds.

4. Object tracking

Many advanced AI detection camera systems can track an object in a scene. For example, if an intruder trespasses, the artificial intelligence CCTV camera will detect this individual and track their movement across the scene. This can involve zooming into the individual to capture a clearer picture that could help identify them in an investigation.

5. License plate recognition

AI camera systems can analyze and recognize a vehicle’s license plate information. By capturing, storing and processing vehicle license plates, artificial intelligence LPR camera technology can detect when a known or unknown vehicle has arrived on-site and, if programmed, flag this to the security team.

6. Occupancy counting

Occupancy counting has become a popular analytic for security teams in recent years. AI security cameras can use this analytic capability to analyze occupancy levels in a specific location by calculating how many people enter and leave. If the occupancy level or crowd size breaches a pre-defined limit, the AI surveillance camera will alert security teams via the VMS.

Benefits of AI security camera systems

AI security camera systems bring significant benefits to video security operators, security teams and facility managers across different industries.

Enhanced security

AI-powered cameras help enhance physical security to protect people, property and assets. An AI detection camera system analyzes scene patterns and behaviors to detect anomalies, triggering real-time alerts for video security operations. This enables security teams to respond quickly and, with early detection by the AI CCTV cameras, they can prevent threats from escalating.

Improved productivity

One of the main benefits of AI security cameras is that they help to drive productivity for security teams and organizations. AI-powered camera systems can help to remove the potential of threats and incidents being missed by a security officer due to lack of attention, fatigue or genuine human error.

As artificial intelligence can help security camera systems more accurately detect genuine threats than non-AI detection camera systems, security teams can focus their efforts on actual threats and not spend time dealing with false alarms. This helps to reduce the burden on security personnel, enables them to better safeguard their facility by responding to genuine threats and saves on costs and resources.

Expedite investigations

AI can help speed up internal processes when a threat is detected or even during a post-incident investigation. AI security cameras can process and analyze large amounts of video quickly, enabling security teams to locate a potential threat in real-time or learn the timeline of events for an incident’s investigation. As a result, security teams spend less time undertaking their processes and can allocate more time towards safeguarding people, property and assets.

Powerful integrations

Enhanced safety and efficiency can be achieved by integrating AI security cameras with other security technologies, such as access control, alarms and radio communications. These integrations enable security teams to enhance situational awareness and provide greater control when responding to emerging threats.

Sensor technology, such as vape detectors, is another security solution that can integrate with an AI surveillance camera system to support security efforts and investigations. When a sensor is triggered by vape smoke, nearby AI-powered security cameras can help detect and track the individual who is vaping or smoking so security personnel can respond to the incident.

How AI camera systems are used in different industries

The applications for AI detection camera solutions are wide-ranging and can extend from improving security and managing road traffic to enhancing a customer’s shopping experience. The following diverse selection of use cases across multiple industries demonstrates the versatility of AI surveillance cameras for organizations and businesses.

• Commercial: For businesses, commercial security cameras with AI detection capabilities help provide the threat detection needed to secure the premises from suspicious individuals and safeguard employees and visitors. 
• Manufacturing and warehouses: Aside from providing effective security ²⁴⁄₇, AI security cameras can support management in observing onsite productivity to identify any issues with processes or employees to enhance efficiency. 
• Smart buildings: AI security cameras integrated with smart building technology can help operators observe and efficiently respond to safety concerns and environmental threats.
• Public safety: Smart cities use AI-powered security cameras to enhance safety, security and efficiency in public spaces. This could be managing traffic, protecting critical infrastructure, supporting law enforcement operations and detecting hazards.
• Retail: Retail security camera systems can use AIto support loss prevention strategies and combat workplace violence. It also comes in handy for observing customer behavior, which can influence decision-making on the store layout, merchandise placement and staffing levels.
• Education: Educational facilities and college campuses can utilize AI CCTV alongside weapons detection technology in their school security system to detect if a student is carrying a weapon on their person.

The future of AI security cameras

The role of AI camera systems in security operations will only continue to grow. Its accuracy levels are constantly improving due to its self-learning capabilities, making it better understand what is happening in a scene and providing analysis that leads to informed decisions. AI technology will also continue providing the new analytic capabilities required to support organizations in operations in existing and as-yet undeveloped applications.

Drones for enhanced situational awareness

One such emerging AI security camera technology is using drones to provide enhanced situational awareness in security incidents, particularly for emergency first responders. These video security drones are transforming the way organizations approach perimeter security and emergency response strategies across large spaces. By capturing real-time video and multi-angle views of an incident that fixed security cameras cannot, operators can gather greater visual context and detect potential threats that can lead to informed decision-making and responses.

Integration with wider security ecosystems

AI security cameras are also expected to continue integrating with wider security systems to provide a holistic approach to safety and security. These comprehensive security ecosystems can adapt to evolving threats and improve decision-making, resource allocation and response strategies.

How to choose the best AI security camera for your needs

As stated earlier, the security market is awash with AI-powered security cameras, making it challenging to find the right solution for your organization’s needs. Below are some of the most advanced solutions on the market for you to consider.

Conclusion

Since the introduction of AI security cameras, organizations have seen their security operations evolve to the point where they can better secure and safeguard their people, property and assets. With a wide range of capabilities and use cases, AI-powered camera systems provide significant benefits to operators, including enhanced security, improved efficiency and cost savings.

As the use of AI security cameras grows and its capabilities expand, organizations can look forward to integrating this technology into their existing security systems, such as access control, for a holistic and informed approach to safety.