We’ve all heard the term ‘Artificial Intelligence’, or ‘AI’ for short. There is a widespread acceptance that it is set to have a significant impact on the physical security sector in the years to come, if it isn’t already… But what does it really mean and where is it being used? Viewpoints on the subject from experts are often fascinating, but don’t always relate to the day-to-day uses of AI.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the security sector. With the Security Industry Association (SIA) citing AI as the predominant trend for a second year in a row, there’s no doubt that new technology is transforming the way we work.
According to a Microsoft-Accenture survey, 89% of leaders agree that digital transformation is important. So, what kind of technology should be on our radar? And where can AI add value to security and safety operations?
Here, we investigate what we really mean by the term ‘AI’ and how it’s developed over the years. If, as many would argue, we now appear to have come to the point where AI is genuinely changing the world of physical security, what is its impact on the processes and people that work in the sector?
What’s the difference between artificial intelligence and machine learning?
AI and machine learning are intrinsically linked. AI is the branch of computer science that builds machines capable of human behaviour. Machine learning, on the other hand, is “the science of getting computers to act without being explicitly programmed”, according to Stanford University,
In other words: AI tells a system what to do, and machine learning helps it to learn on the job.
For example, machine learning will teach a video surveillance algorithm to distinguish between objects that pose a risk, such as people and vehicles, and non-threatening objects, such as animals or rubbish.
How has AI in security developed?
Over the last few decades, the most common application for AI has been video surveillance. Video Analytic (VA) applications, for example, have been detecting suspicious activity (e.g. abandoned baggage) since the 1990s. However, unreliable algorithms often trigger false alarms, as a result of harmless environmental factors such as a moving branch or animal.
To date, the need for people to scan hours of footage after a security breach has taken place means that much of this technology has served as a retrospective forensic tool.
But times are changing. Whether it’s in video surveillance, access control or risk management, AI is enabling the industry to switch its focus from reactive to proactive operations.
“Security leaders who do not embrace a digital mindset risk becoming business irrelevant,” says Michael Foynes, Senior Director at Microsoft Global Physical Security Operations.
“Cloud computing, artificial intelligence and machine learning are blurring the lines between logical and physical environments. Traditional security risk management and threat detection are quickly becoming obsolete.”
For companies struggling to recruit security professionals, machine learning that mimics human behaviour over large areas will be a relief as it negates the need for hundreds of operatives. Crucially, combining AI with skilled security staff means that people power can be used where it’s most effective.
As an example, the French Government has announced that it is ‘fast-tracking’ special legislation to use AI in video surveillance for the 2024 Paris Olympics. While the ethics of the decision remain under scrutiny, it has been highlighted that a key reason behind the implementation is due to an estimated 30,000 deficit of security officers required to properly secure the events.
But is the AI revolution coming fast enough? According to Microsoft and Accenture, over three-quarters (78%) of leaders agree that the digital transformation of physical security will generate a meaningful ROI – but only 30% deemed it urgent – suggesting that security is lagging behind other sectors.
How easy is it to use AI?
Clearly, upgrading security equipment across the board isn’t always workable. But some suppliers are keen to emphasise the importance of software over hardware. Hakimo, a Silicon Valley technology company, produces access control and health checks systems which claim to integrate superior AI software with existing hardware.
But when is the right time to upgrade stock?
The new wave of AI claims to answer some of the sector’s biggest headaches. Fisheye cameras identify movement and re-adjust to reduce motion blur. In identity management, cyber and physical security is converging with the use of dynamic behavioural user profiles that combine network security (e.g. profiles) and physical access (e.g. badges).
However, even the latest AI needs teaching – and no technology is without its faults. “Modern and sophisticated technology makes security staff’s life easier – but a human will always be involved in the process; interpreting the alarm and using their intuition to determine the appropriate reaction”.