Artificial intelligence (AI) was once a foreign concept to many, only eliciting images of movie scenes and talking robots. But as technology is advancing and machine learning is growing, the term, and the technology, has begun popping up in a wide variety of markets. From diagnostic applications in the healthcare industry to self-driving cars, it’s become hard to avoid AI’s massive implications around the world.
As these areas continue to take advantage of the benefits AI presents, another sector is beginning to do the same: the security industry. In general, AI involves machines being able to perform any intellectual task that a human could. But when it comes to security, the technology being developed falls under the category of narrow AI: focusing on executing certain defined tasks, such as object recognition in the case of video analytics or navigation for a security robot.
Video analytics is one of the first major domains within the security industry that is being radically transformed by AI. AI eliminates the need for pre-programed algorithms, allowing sensor technology available today to capture an incredible amount of metadata in real time. AI allows video analytics to do much more than just alert users when a person or object has crossed a barrier; now, large organizations with thousands of security cameras can specifically identify a person approaching.
As for security robots, AI is the driver of the two main technologies that security robots leverage, be it unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), more commonly known as drones. AI makes it possible to augment traditional security guards through integrated robotic systems, leveraging advanced navigation capabilities, obstacle avoidance sensors and intelligent mechanics to streamline operations and reduce the risk of human injury in dangerous environments.
It’s clear that AI provides end users and security professionals with a wealth of advantages when it comes to increasing operational efficiencies, proactively identifying risks and ensuring informed, rapid responses to security incidents. While nothing can substitute human-to-human interaction, combining AI-enhanced technology with traditional security measures can radically improve functionality and help organizations reach their security goals.
RAD’s Steve Reinharz will discuss this topic in detail on Nov. 15 during ISC East at the “Why is Artificial Intelligence Critical Within the Security Industry?” presentation. Join him in booth #278 at 11:40 a.m. to hear about the advancement of AI in security and how it’s being used in various instances. For a more in-depth look at AI and how it’s affecting our world, download Reinharz’s book An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence.