David Ly, CEO and Chairman of Iveda, delves into how AI-based video analytics present an opportunity for humans to enhance their ability to protect businesses and organizations.
As technologies like AI and internet of things (IoT) devices continue to evolve, the promise of AI-powered video analytics is becoming more common each day.
Today, we’re at an exciting juncture, one where older technology, like your everyday security cameras, can be married with high-powered AI to increase vigilance and security through real-time alerts and analytics.
Businesses that harness the power of AI have the potential to surpass their competitors since the technology’s purpose is to constantly learn, improving the desired output set by a human controller.
While AI continues to advance, it’s critical that people understand the technology is not here to replace us, but rather empower us to live and work more efficiently.
Like any new technology, its true potential needs to be explored and explained to help mitigate public fears and uncertainties so that technologists can continue innovating and building solutions that can keep people and property safe.
AI video analytics use algorithms to continuously learn by observing vast amounts of information in real-time.
Through the power of AI-equipped cameras, use cases include object detection (such as recognizing the difference between a high-powered rifle versus a child’s toy), facial recognition (including the identification of specific human attributes like hair color) or everyday behavioral patterns (like traffic flow or crowd identification).
While all this can be done by a human, the reality is that humans cannot be aware of everything that is happening across an organization without the assistance of technology.
Now with AI-power video analytics, humans have an extra set of eyes and ears that enhances the efficiency and accuracy of analysis.
The growing and widespread use of AI empowers businesses to use its capabilities for innovation, efficiency and problem-solving.
In fact, more than one-third (34%) of recent Thomson Reuters survey respondents perceive AI as a catalyst for immense growth.
That said, those who do not hop on the AI train may find themselves being left in the dust and unable to compete with those who are using AI to enhance products or services.
As more companies adopt AI, those that don’t are risking becoming obsolete and outdated.
The purpose of cameras is to strengthen security and safety, and although an everyday camera does help with this, they will never compare to cameras equipped with AI.
While the IP camera market has seen long-term static growth, the addition of AI to cameras is expected to grow rapidly in tandem, to $55.22 billion by 2030, according to Research and Markets.
The market understands that the future of video analytics rests in the hands of AI, knowing that during high stress situations, every minute and second counts.
Depending on the severity of a situation and what information the camera is alerting to, the ability to prevent and mitigate a catastrophe is essential in preventing harm to humans.
For example, American school systems are still grappling with on-campus violence and shootings.
Schools are facing insurmountable challenges in reducing the prevalence of dangerous acts and the need for 24/7 monitoring is growing in demand.
Identifying and addressing potential threats or concerning behavior among students or unauthorized visitors is more achievable than ever before with AI-powered video analytics.
An AI-powered school campus, office building or any other commercial setting, can quickly analyze and report if an intruder enters the grounds by using video footage to help locate, track and isolate the threat in real-time.
Building administrators and on-site security personnel will be alerted immediately, allowing them to notify the authorities and lock down the facility without wasting precious minutes and seconds trying to determine if the threat warrants a response.
By equipping existing cameras with AI-powered solutions, schools and businesses everywhere can now harness the benefits and capabilities of AI without having to invest in new infrastructure, saving money and ultimately, benefiting students and staff.
As AI continues to dominate the headlines, there is a general hesitancy from the public about how the technology works and what its full range of capabilities are.
Privacy is a major concern for citizens.
That said, the human behind the machine will always be in control of the parameters set when it comes to the full monitoring capabilities.
The use of facial recognition technology has people worried that “Big Brother” is constantly watching, waiting for them to slip up and make a mistake.
However, it is important to remember that the human managing the technology is ultimately responsible for its transparent deployment and updates to algorithms to prevent instances of AI bias.
AI systems need to be continuously maintained with cautious oversight and ongoing discussions with service providers will need to be had to ensure that the system is only benefiting society and not harming those it is meant to protect.
The debate of how to regulate AI surveillance technology still rages on, but always remember, the human is in control of the AI, not the other way around.
David Ly is the Founder of Iveda, having served as CEO and Chairman of the Board of Directors since the company’s inception in 2003.
With over 20 years’ experience in wireless data, cellular, IT and cloud video surveillance, David has built a cloud video hosting and real-time surveillance infrastructure with use cases across the globe.
This article was originally published in the June edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.