There was high-level energy at GSX 2025, befitting an industry undergoing massive change. Artificial intelligence (AI) was everywhere, but not so much in the booth signage. Rather, AI has made its way beyond marketing claims and solidly into the core of the products themselves.
There were hundreds of examples of how AI is changing how security systems operate, all for the better. Clearly on display at GSX 2025 was an industry in the midst of metamorphosis.
Deep integration of AI
My conversations with companies across the security ecosystem revealed an industry heavily focused on leveraging advanced technologies like AI and the cloud to address increasingly complex global and localized threats.
Several key themes emerged at the Global Security Exchange (GSX), sponsored by ASIS International, held Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, La. Themes I heard repeated throughout the show floor included deep integration of AI, the ongoing shift toward cloud-based and hybrid architectures, and a sharp focus on modernizing security systems to meet current challenges.
AI and intelligent automation transform security
The use of GenAI is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support
Companies are integrating AI and intelligent technologies to enhance analytics, streamline incident response, and improve internal efficiency.
The use of Generative AI (GenAI) is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support. For example, Bosch Video Systems introduced a "second tier" to its video analytics capabilities by combining highly sensitive edge detection with GenAI models in the cloud.
For example, in visual gun detection, edge analytics might flag a potential gun (yellow), but the cloud-based GenAI then quickly reviews and confirms the threat (red), helping to filter out false alarms. Bosch is also using GenAI for more open-ended searches, such as a "Where's Waldo" application demonstrated at their booth.
GenAI-powered system
Eagle Eye Networks says they are focused on helping integrators "organize the AI chaos” through their cloud-based video platform. Their precision person and vehicle detection capabilities work across multiple cameras.
Motorola Solutions introduced Inform, an AI-assisted incident response solution designed to bring clarity to the "noise" and help security teams respond to complex threats. They also offer Avigilon Visual Alerts, an on-prem GenAI-powered system that expands the natural language interface.
AI internally to improve processes
The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft."
The Axon Body Workforce Mini, a small “computer with a lens” for non-police applications, is AI-capable and can perform real-time translations, automated report writing, and summarization, and can even act as a personal assistant by incorporating company policies.
All those functions are built into a lightweight body-worn camera designed to safeguard frontline workers in retail and healthcare verticals. The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft."
Beyond products, integration company Everon is using AI internally to improve processes, such as handling commoditized tasks, which they expect will result in better customer satisfaction. Everon wants to be known as a premier service provider and will be introducing new services in the video realm.
AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades
Genetec prefers the term Intelligent Automation (IA), instead of AI, to describe its empathetic interface, which can "know" what additional information a security professional needs when they click on an image, for example.
Genetec says the advantages of the cloud include AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades. Their Security Center SaaS has had a fast and successful launch. It enables cloud-based systems with local storage.
Genetec also highlighted the Cloudlink 210, a cloud-managed appliance designed to unify physical security operations that can be simply plugged in without involving IT staff. They call it a “headless appliance.”
Cloud migration and the push for hybrid systems
Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product
The industry continues its strategic march toward the cloud, often through hybrid applications that blend on-prem strength with cloud flexibility.
Acre's access control is described as "cloud-first technology," and they continue to focus on cloud solutions, incorporating AI. To help customers transition, they offer the "Bridge," a migration tool that allows systems to communicate throughout the move. At the same time, they are continuing to develop and enhance their core on-prem products – DNA Fusion and AccessIt!.
Adding access control to supplement their video product line, Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product. The goal is to provide “access control that is easy;” It works alongside their OnCloud direct-to-cloud VMS as a Service platform.
Future of video management
The future of video management is increasingly hybrid. Milestone recently completed a three-year process of updating XProtect and building for the future of hybrid applications.
At GSX, they showcased how their XProtect Evidence Manager seeks to "democratize evidence management" by collecting video, cell phone data, notes, and other metadata related to a case for easy sharing and prosecution. Also, Milestone’s “app center” enables additional features to enhance XProtect without involving integration.
Milestone is also focusing on "Metadata Ingest," which collects and aggregates data from various manufacturers (including Genetec, Motorola, and Exacq) for use by AI.
Strategic modernization and open integration
Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernization Outlook" white paper
A key theme for the future is the shift toward open systems and strategic modernization, enabling security professionals to better utilize new technology.
Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernization Outlook" white paper, arguing that dealers and end-users need to think more strategically when buying technology.
They predict that "2026 will be the year of modernization," with tangible results including unified intelligence, flexible deployment, and lower total cost of ownership. The call for open standards and architecture was also strong.
What AI needs from open systems
Johnson Controls noted that cloud, AI, and open standards are its three big focus areas. Their C-CURE IQ 3.10 is gaining adoption as it unifies access and video.
OpenEye is seeking to address the "AI disruption anxiety" in the industry, focusing on what AI needs from open systems. The emphasis is on the value of a Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard and framework to enable AI systems to integrate and share data with external tools and sources.
Addressing shifting global and local threats
Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights a risen focus on executive protection
Companies unveiled solutions targeted at new security concerns, particularly the rising threat of violence, theft, and misinformation.
Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights an increased focus on executive protection and cites the rise of misinformation and disinformation as the number two threat. They noted that macro trends around instability and the political and social environment are driving security threats globally.
To combat physical threats, Shooter Detection Systems introduced a new outdoor sensor, which is now generally available after a favorable feedback period that included an apprehension in one municipality. The company notes the unique challenge of developing technology for a "non-cooperative" threat like a person with a gun, in contrast to most security technologies that are "cooperative" and depend on user compliance.
Implementation of integrated security
Flock Safety is expanding its focus beyond license plate readers into solutions for retail, with a new initiative to automate and streamline investigative processes, which are often manual. The company also showcased "drones as automated security guards," which can be deployed within 90 seconds to provide "eyes" on a site and enhance safety.
The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system
A tour of the City of New Orleans' Real Time Crime Center (RTCC), hosted by Axis Communications, demonstrated a mature implementation of integrated security. The RTCC uses Axis cameras, Genetec VMS, and is tied to a Motorola Solutions Command Center to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, operating independently of the police department.
They measure success in terms of valuable hours saved in an investigation or even when an event is happening. The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system.
Rapidly changing industry on display
The GSX 2025 highlights an industry that is moving toward more intelligent and integrated solutions. The investment in AI is shifting security from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated assistance.
Throughout the show floor, the continued embrace of hybrid cloud architectures, coupled with an emphasis on open standards and modernization roadmaps, suggests a security ecosystem built for agility and future growth.
These trends, and the GSX show itself, collectively underscore the industry's commitment to delivering scalable, next-generation solutions for a changing threat landscape.
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