Artificial Intelligence, the unseen power in video analytics for public safety

by Navaneet Mishra, Senior Vice President and Head, Hexagon R&D India

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2068

Video analytics plays a critical role in modern security infrastructure for public safety. Deriving Intelligence from it, is powered by sophisticated Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning algorithms that operate under the radar.

Market projections from leading research companies underscore the burgeoning growth of the public safety and security sector. Grand View Research projections suggest a robust upward trajectory, with market figures expected to surge from $433.6 billion to $707.2 billion by 2027. Gartner forecasts indicate a substantial increase in global spending on physical security equipment and services, reaching $119.9 billion by 2025. Within this expansive market, investments in video analytics solutions are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping security strategies worldwide.

Real-world applications of video analytics offer compelling evidence of its efficacy across various sectors. In urban environments, municipalities deploy video analytics systems to monitor public spaces and swiftly respond to incidents. For instance, the city of Chicago implemented ShotSpotter technology, which utilizes audio sensors and video analytics to detect and locate gunfire incidents in real-time, enabling law enforcement to respond promptly and enhance community safety. Transportation hubs represent another critical domain where video analytics proves invaluable. Major airports worldwide leverage advanced surveillance systems to enhance security protocols and streamline passenger flows. For example, the Dubai International Airport utilizes video analytics to monitor passenger queues and optimize staff deployment, ensuring efficient operations while maintaining high-security standards.

Beyond traditional security applications, video analytics finds utility in various other industries. Retailers employ these systems to analyze customer behavior and optimize store layouts, while manufacturing facilities use video analytics for quality control and worker safety monitoring.

How it works

Video analytics operates by leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms to analyze vast streams of video data in real-time. Initially, the system captures video footage from surveillance cameras deployed across various locations. Then, the video data undergoes preprocessing, where it is cleaned and formatted to enhance analysis accuracy. Subsequently, the processed video frames are fed into AI models trained to perform specific tasks, such as object detection, facial recognition, emotion detection, and anomaly detection. These AI models utilize sophisticated neural networks to identify patterns, extract relevant features, and make predictions based on learned behaviors. As the analysis progresses, the system continuously refines its algorithms through feedback loops, improving its ability to accurately detect and respond to potential threats. Overall, video analytics enables organizations to transform raw video data into actionable insights, empowering them to enhance security, streamline operations, and optimize decision-making processes.

The strategic adoption of video analytics has emerged as an imperative for organizations committed to safeguarding public safety. By harnessing the power of AI-driven surveillance technologies, stakeholders can proactively mitigate risks, enhance situational awareness, and foster safer communities for all.