In this SJA exclusive, Eve Goode, Digital Content Editor speaks with Jeff Swaim, Director of Channel Sales and National Accounts, Hexagon about the use of digital twins and LiDAR in healthcare security.
Healthcare security has shifted dramatically in the past decade. Hospitals have always been complex environments but the rise in workplace violence has made them even more challenging to protect.
Today, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience violence compared to other industries and recent surveys show that most emergency physicians have either faced violence themselves or know someone who has.
Beyond that, hospitals now deal with issues like unauthorized access to restricted areas, vehicle-based threats and theft or sabotage of outdoor assets such as generators and medical gas tanks.
Traditional security measures like door-based access control and 2D sensors simply can’t keep up. That’s why technologies like LiDAR and digital twins have become essential.
They offer real-time, 3D monitoring that improves safety while respecting privacy.
Hexagon’s approach with LiDAR is all about precision and speed. Instead of relying on simple boundary alarms, LiDAR creates a live 3D visualization of the environment, tracking movement, size and speed.
It can tell the difference between a person, a vehicle or another object, which cuts down on false alarms and wasted time.
It works in any lighting condition including bright sunlight, complete darkness or visually complex hospital settings.
This means hospitals can monitor parking lots, driveways and outdoor assets effectively and security teams can respond quickly to real threats without being bogged down by unnecessary alerts.
Digital twins are virtual models of real-world spaces.
When paired with LiDAR, they become a powerful tool for hospital security. They allow security teams to visualize movement in real time within a 3D representation of the hospital.
For example, if someone loiters in a stairwell for more than 30 seconds, the system can trigger an alert. Digital twins also supply a means to train PTZ cameras to automate camera responses, guiding PTZ cameras to the exact location of unusual activity.
In emergencies such as fires or evacuations, security staff can see where patients and staff are in real time and direct responders, which makes a huge difference in safety and response times.
These technologies are designed to keep patients safe without compromising their privacy.
Instead of using intrusive video or audio surveillance, LiDAR monitors movement and creates virtual zones that alert staff if someone enters a restricted area.
This approach is especially valuable in sensitive environments like psychiatric units or elderly care, where dignity and discretion are just as important as security.
Hexagon’s solutions are built with compliance in mind. They automatically log movement data associated to alarm eventsto create audit trails.
Due to LiDAR and digital twins not relying on video, they minimize exposure of personally identifiable information, which is a big win for privacy.
