Robotics

Suprema, a pioneer in AI-powered access control and security solutions, announced the launch of BioStar X, its most advanced unified security platform. BioStar X unifies world-pioneering biometric access control and video surveillance, into a single, scalable platform, delivering total control, integrated monitoring, and enterprise-grade resilience. Advanced access control features The new BioStar X offers total control through a unified monitoring console. Administrators can view interactive maps, AI-powered video grids, live alarms, and access logs on a single screen at real-time, eliminating the need to switch between multiple systems and helping them respond to incidents faster and more intelligently.  Its advanced access control features provide a high level of granularity, allowing administrators to define detailed role-based access levels, zone-based rules, and automated emergency actions such as lockdowns and fire protocols. This unified view, combined with a granular approach, streamlines security operations across large facilities and multi-site environments while ensuring consistent policy enforcement. AI-driven video intelligence BioStar X also enhances AI-driven video intelligence by detecting events such as falls, intrusions, loitering, and tailgating, which enables administrators to identify potential threats and take proactive security measures. Built on a scalable and flexible architecture, BioStar X delivers the reliability and performance that organizations of all sizes require for mission-critical security operations. Open API-based architecture supports seamless integration with third-party systems from parking management and perimeter detection to drones and robots. This openness provides organizations with the freedom to design fully interoperable security ecosystems tailored to their operational needs. Capabilities for enterprise operation Also, core capabilities for enterprise operation, such as AES-256 encryption, database sharding, and multi-communication servers guarantee business continuity and reliability in any environment from single sites to multi-sites. Designed to support thousands of devices and users, this scalable architecture allows security infrastructure to expand as they grow, without compromising system performance. Future of intelligent operations "With BioStar X, we're delivering total confidence in security operations," said Hanchul Kim, CEO of Suprema Inc. "One unified platform combining AI intelligence, multi-credential access, and seamless scalability — enabling organizations to grow their security infrastructure without compromise." "That's the future of intelligent operations. It represents our vision for the future of enterprise security — intelligent, integrated, and adaptive to continuous change."

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), announced that sales activity through the first two months of the Company’s third fiscal quarter continues to strengthen. RAD has secured dozens of new device orders, including ROSA™, RIO™, ROAMEO™, alongside multiple software license agreements, including SARA™, RAD’s agentic AI-driven autonomous response platform, and several new dealer partnerships. This growing momentum positions the Company for a strong finish to the quarter and reinforces its role as a driving force in the adoption of AI-powered security technologies across multiple sectors. RAD’s integrated AI and robotic solutions Through November 4, 2025, RAD has contracted orders for 64 devices, including eight proof-of-concept deployments, and 46 software licenses spanning SARA, RADGuard™, and Firearm Detection. The Company has also expanded its sales reach with six new authorized dealers and two independent channel partner contractors added to its growing network. These results reflect consistent execution across both product and channel development, as demand for RAD’s integrated AI and robotic solutions continues to accelerate across key markets. RAD’s performance “We’re hitting a strong stride as we move deeper into the second half of the fiscal year,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. “The market continues to respond to the performance, reliability, and economics of our solutions. Every week we see greater acceptance from new clients, dealers, and enterprise partners who recognize that RAD’s technology is not just innovative, it’s essential. We’re executing with focus and speed for our clients, channel partners and shareholders.” RAD’s performance this quarter reflects balanced growth across its stationary, mobile, and software platforms. The Company’s dealer and independent contractor network is also broadening RAD’s reach into new territories, including Latin America and the United Kingdom, fueling additional pipeline activity and accelerating the path to recurring monthly revenue growth and operational cash flow positivity. Stationary and mobile robotic solutions “As strong as this quarter has been so far, we’re nowhere near done,” added Reinharz. “There are new technologies, partnerships, and market entries coming that will further expand our reach and impact. The team is executing with purpose and intensity, and I’m confident that the results we deliver in the months ahead will speak volumes about what’s next for AITX and RAD.” AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry’s existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. Data protection and security compliance The Company’s operations and internal controls have been validated through the successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization’s internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company’s credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD’s Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD’s ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. Delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX’s RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), has successfully completed an advanced pilot program with a major healthcare provider. The initial pilot project involved the evaluation of three RIO™ 360 units positioned at two different hospital locations. Having successfully completed the pilot program, these three units will now start generating revenue as of November 1, 2025, and mark the beginning of an expected larger rollout expected to extend across numerous campuses as the client strengthens safety for staff and visitors through RAD’s AI-powered mobile security solutions. RAD’s promising growth sectors Healthcare has emerged as one of RAD’s most promising growth sectors, driven by increasing demand for autonomous, intelligent coverage across hospital campuses, medical offices, and parking lots. The complexity of these environments, combined with staffing challenges and heightened safety concerns, has accelerated adoption of RAD’s security solutions. The Company continues to see heightened engagement from healthcare organizations seeking cost-effective ways to enhance visibility, deter incidents, and protect employees and visitors. New client relationship "The healthcare sector represents more than a market for RAD, it’s a long-term growth platform," said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and Founder of AITX and RAD, adding "These deployments highlight how our technology is becoming embedded in critical infrastructure where consistency, reliability, and accountability are essential." He continues, "Each new client relationship deepens our recurring revenue foundation and expands our reach into environments where AI-driven security can make a measurable difference. This progress underscores the momentum we’re building for our clients, channel partners, and shareholders." Client and internal teams “Moving from proof of concept to active billing with a major healthcare provider is an important validation of the results our team consistently delivers,” said Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD. He adds, “We’re proud of the collaboration between our client and internal teams that made this transition possible and look forward to supporting continued expansion across their network.” ROSA’s AI-driven security analytics Sitting atop a standard RIO 360 configuration are dual ROSA™ units. ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSA’s AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RAD’s software suite notification and autonomous response library.  Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSA’s high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published seven Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at mobile home parks, retail centers, hospital campuses, multi-family communities, car rental locations and construction sites across the country. AI-based analytics and software platforms AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry’s existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. The Company’s operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization’s internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company’s credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. Security industry leadership RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD’s Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD’s ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. Next-generation robotic product offerings RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX’s RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a global pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), has partnered with the Taylor, Michigan Police Department to launch a community safety initiative utilizing RADCam Enterprise. The pilot program will evaluate how RADCam Enterprise’s AI-enabled interactive capabilities can help deter crime and enhance community safety across local businesses. This initiative marks the next step in Taylor PD’s collaboration with RAD, following the Department’s 2024 pilot involvement with the first and evolving RADDOG quadruped robot for law enforcement use. RADCam Enterprise pilot The RADCam Enterprise pilot will focus on real-world performance in reducing nuisance crimes, improving situational awareness, and supporting officers with timely information and communication tools. Initial deployments will begin with ten businesses, expanding to one hundred as data is collected and analyzed for future replication across other communities. At the center of this initiative is SARA (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent), the Company’s multiple award-winning agentic AI platform, which powers RADCam Enterprise. Real-time notifications SARA enables the cameras to communicate directly with individuals, provide real-time notifications, and deliver autonomous voice-down messages to deter unwanted activity. The system can instantly alert officers when assistance is needed, bridging the gap between detection and response while reducing the burden on human monitoring resources. RADCam Enterprise in action When a property is armed for the evening, RADCam Enterprise continuously monitors for motion and activity. If movement is detected near a vehicle or structure, the system issues a verbal warning advising the individual to leave the premises immediately or law enforcement will be contacted. The suspect’s behavior determines the next step. If the individual departs, RADCam records the encounter and preserves video and audio evidence. If the individual remains, SARA automatically places a phone call to the Taylor Police Department, providing real-time details such as the location, description, visible objects or weapons, and current behavior. Officers can then interact with SARA to request additional information or a transcript of the event, ensuring rapid, informed response. Technology supporting law enforcement “We’re proud to see our technology supporting law enforcement and helping communities become safer,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. “This partnership with Taylor PD demonstrates how RADCam Enterprise can deliver measurable results, improve response times, and strengthen collaboration between local businesses and police. We are looking forward to success here, followed by significant expansion throughout the country.” “We thank the City of Taylor and the Taylor Police Department for leading the way in community law enforcement.” Seamless integration with major VMS’s RADCam Enterprise was introduced on September 15, 2025, as the world’s first speaking, AI-powered talking camera designed for commercial and enterprise applications. The system integrates seamlessly with major video management systems (VMS) and supports SARA’s autonomous engagement features, giving businesses and law enforcement new tools to proactively address security challenges. “We’re always exploring new ways to strengthen public safety and enhance our connection with the community,” said Lt. Jeff Adamisin of the Taylor Police Department. “This pilot allows us to evaluate how RADCam Enterprise can improve visibility across incidents, expand officer response, and help reduce incidents before they escalate. Our goal is to leverage technology that truly makes a difference for the people we serve.” Affordable ways to strengthen safety “We see this as the beginning of something much larger,” added Reinharz. “Communities everywhere are searching for effective, affordable ways to strengthen safety without adding personnel or infrastructure.” “I anticipate that what we learn in Taylor will serve as the blueprint for future partnerships with police departments and municipalities across the country.” Redefining security and guarding services AITX, through its primary subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry’s existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. Completion of SOC 2 Type 2 audit The Company’s operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, which is a formal, independent audit that evaluates a service organization’s internal controls for handling customer data and determines if the controls are not only designed properly but also operating effectively to protect customer data. This audit reinforces the Company’s credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. Decades of experience RAD is led by Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD, who brings decades of experience in the security services industry. Reinharz serves as chair of the Security Industry Association’s (SIA) Autonomous Solutions Working Group and as a member of the SIA Board of Directors. The RAD team also draws on extensive expertise across the sector, including Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD and Chair of the ASIS International North American Regional Board of Directors, Troy McCanna, former FBI Special Agent and RAD’s Chief Security Officer, and Stacy Stephens, co-founder of security robotics company Knightscope. Their combined backgrounds in security industry leadership, law enforcement, and robotics innovation reinforce RAD’s ability to deliver proven, practical, and disruptive solutions to its clients. Prospective sales pipeline RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time. AITX is an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence-based solutions that empower organizations to gain new insight, solve complex challenges and fuel new business ideas. Next-generation robotic product offerings Through its next-generation robotic product offerings, AITX’s RAD, RAD-R, RAD-M and RAD-G companies help organizations streamline operations, increase ROI, and strengthen business. AITX technology improves the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services and allows experienced personnel to focus on more strategic tasks. Customers augment the capabilities of existing staff and gain higher levels of situational awareness, all at drastically reduced cost. AITX solutions are well suited for use in multiple industries such as enterprises, government, transportation, critical infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It has become part of our lives, and its uses and applications are growing every other day. Even the public sector, which usually is a late adopter of new technologies, has come onboard this new train. Law enforcement, in particular, has seen the advantages different AI technologies can offer to their work and has started to integrate them into their workflow and daily routines. But there is much more to come. Task automation: AI as a workhorse Due to the increasing importance of media files in police investigations, current police cases have an increasing amount of digital files to be analyzed. Videos from mobile phones, computer files, sound recordings, voice messages from chat applications…the list is almost endless. But, in contrast to other types of digital files, like documents or PDFs, it is not possible to search directly a certain information in a video. It has to be watched by someone. And that takes an inordinate amount of time for a human being, as there can be hundreds of videos in a case. This is one of the areas where artificial intelligence shines. Modern analytics systems are able to find almost any kind of information in media files due to the improvement of artificial vision, object recognition and face biometrics. It is simply a matter of feeding the hundreds or thousands of media files to a AI analyzer, which will work through them and find specific sounds, words, faces, cars, etc. Case of law enforcement On top of that, an analyzer does not tire after long work hours and does not make errors What is more, unlike human officers, these systems can work 24/7 which speeds up investigations considerably, as more evidence is found in less time. On top of that, an analyzer does not tire after long work hours and does not make errors. This is why police work can be helped greatly by AI Analytics, as it frees police officers to do high value work, instead of endlessly watching videos on a computer of listening to audio recordings, in search of evidence. As soon as the system finds what the officer has specified (a face, name, number plate, object, etc.) it sends an alarm to the officers’ phone, so he or she can take a look and decide what to do with that information. Despite AI being touted as a danger to many workplaces, in the case of law enforcement, it is a valuable tool to help police do more, with more accuracy, and in less time, freeing officers from the repetitive and boring work of checking mountains of evidence in search of clues. The AI Analyzer landscape The field of AI analytics is expanding constantly and new types of analysis are being discovered that may be helpful to police or intelligence. The most used analyzers today are probably Automatic License Plate Recognition (ALPR), object and face recognition. But OCR is equally useful not just for reading documents, but also signs and logos that may appear in pictures or videos, to help identify a location. And for audio (as in interception or surveillance recordings) there is speech-to-text (S2T), translation, Speaker ID, audio fingerprinting (AFP) and natural language processing (NLP) which is able to extract sentiment from what is said. All of these have their application in daily police work and can save time in investigations or make them possible in the first place. But looming on the horizon are new possibilities, which we will discuss later and that are even more powerful. So the field of AI Analytics is, by no means, a closed one. Generative AI in law enforcement LLMs will be an important part in all those tasks related to investigate large sets of documents For the past year, the term “Generative AI” has become part of our general vocabulary, although most of the time we just say ChatGTP, Copilot o similar. The large language models (LLM) use Deep Learning and different AI strategies to, amongst other things, analyze and summarize vast amounts of information, in order to generate a short report with the highlights. This can be of use for Law Enforcement in all those cases that have great amounts of documents that may contain evidence. Again, this is a case like the above, where AI helps speed up operations by doing the grunt work much quicker than any person could.  The difference is in the Deep Learning part. The model can be tuned to specific needs (like financial crimes, for example) and will get better over time when dealing with specific sets of documents. Thus, LLMs will be an important part in all those tasks related to investigate large sets of documents during a case. What the future holds As with all technology, it is virtually impossible to predict what the future will hold. Because any breakthrough can upend complete sectors, as demonstrated by ChatGPT not that long ago. However, there are several promising AI technologies in the pipeline, some of which are already being tested and perfect around the world: Behaviour analysis: as facial recognition systems get better and better, they are not only able to recognize faces, but also facial expressions. This means that AI systems could be assisting during interrogations, to evaluate the truthfulness of what is being said. Combined with the analysis of small voice inflections, they can be a non-invasive “lie detector”. Robotics: already in use by many police forces around the world, robots are going to be ever so important. Particularly the autonomous kind, which is able to do missions on its own, without a human behind the controls. This, combined with swarm technology, could be an incredible help in disaster areas, where time is of the essence in locating victims. Predictive policing: thanks to pattern analysis, predictive policing, which has been to the test several times already, will be an important part of police work, to figure out where to send units or concentrate surveillance efforts. In short, AI has much more to offer, and we are going to see and incredible evolution of this technology applied to law enforcement, over the next years.

Global transportation networks are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital systems playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of ports and supply chains. However, this reliance on technology can also create vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the recent ransomware attack on Nagoya Port. As Japan's busiest shipping hub, the port's operations were brought to a standstill for two days, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to national economies and supply chains.  Transportation sector  The attack began with the port's legacy computer system, which handles shipping containers, being knocked offline. This forced the port to halt the handling of shipping containers that arrived at the terminal, effectively disrupting the flow of goods. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in ports and other critical infrastructures.  This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The transportation sector must respond by bolstering its defenses, enhancing its cyber resilience, and proactively countering these threats. The safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure, and by extension our global economy, depend on it.  Rising threat to port security and supply chains  XIoT, from sensors on shipping containers to automatic cranes, are vital to trendy port functions OT, once isolated from networked systems, is now increasingly interconnected. This integration has expanded the attack surface for threat actors. A single breach in a port's OT systems can cause significant disruption, halting the movement of containers and impacting the flow of goods. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that has been demonstrated in recent cyberattacks on major ports.  Adding another layer of complexity is the extended Internet of Things (XIoT), an umbrella term for all cyber-physical systems. XIoT devices, from sensors on shipping containers to automated cranes, are now integral to modern port operations. These devices are delivering safer, more efficient automated vehicles, facilitating geo-fencing for improved logistics, and providing vehicle health data for predictive maintenance. XIoT ecosystem  However, the XIoT ecosystem also presents new cybersecurity risks. Each connected device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and the interconnected nature of these devices means that an attack on one, which can move laterally and can have a ripple effect throughout the system.  The threat landscape is evolving, with cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and their attacks more damaging with a business continuity focus. The growing interconnectivity between OT and XIoT in port operations and supply chains is also presenting these threat actors with a greater attack surface. Many older OT systems were never designed to be connected in this way and are unlikely to be equipped to deal with modern cyber threats. Furthermore, the increasing digitization of ports and supply chains has led to a surge in the volume of data being generated and processed. This data, if not properly secured, can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. The potential for data breaches adds another dimension to the cybersecurity challenges facing the transportation sector.  Role of Cyber Resilience in Protecting Service Availability  Cyber resilience refers to organization's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats As the threats to port security and supply chains become increasingly complex, the concept of cyber resilience takes on a new level of importance. Cyber resilience refers to an organization's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, focusing not just on preventing attacks, but also on minimizing the impact of attacks that do occur and ensuring a quick recovery.  In the context of port operations and supply chains, cyber resilience is crucial. The interconnected nature of these systems means that a cyberattack can have far-reaching effects, disrupting operations not just at the targeted port, but also at other ports and throughout the supply chain. A resilient system is one that can withstand such an attack and quickly restore normal operations. Port operations and supply chains The growing reliance on OT and the XIoT in port operations and supply chains presents unique challenges for cyber resilience. OT systems control physical processes and are often critical to safety and service availability. A breach in an OT system can have immediate and potentially catastrophic physical consequences. Similarly, XIoT devices are often embedded in critical infrastructure and can be difficult to patch or update, making them vulnerable to attacks.  Building cyber resilience in these systems requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing robust security measures, such as strong access controls and network segmentation, to prevent attacks. It also involves continuous monitoring and detection to identify and respond to threats as they occur. But perhaps most importantly, it involves planning and preparation for the inevitable breaches that will occur, ensuring that when they do, the impact is minimized, and normal operations can be quickly restored.  Building resilience across port security and supply chains   In the face of cyber threats, the transport sector must adopt a complete method of cybersecurity In the face of escalating cyber threats, the transportation sector must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. This involves not just implementing robust security measures, but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and compliance throughout the organization.  A key component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is strong access controls. This involves ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive data and systems. It also involves implementing multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing and updating access permissions. Strong access controls can prevent unauthorized access to systems and data, reducing the risk of both internal and external threats. Network segmentation Network segmentation is another crucial measure. By dividing a network into separate segments, organizations can limit the spread of a cyberattack within their network. This can prevent an attack on one part of the network from affecting the entire system. Network segmentation also makes it easier to monitor and control the flow of data within the network, further enhancing security.  Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management are also essential. Vulnerability assessments involve identifying and evaluating potential security weaknesses in the system, while patch management involves regularly updating and patching software to fix these vulnerabilities. These measures can help organizations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce the risk of exploitation.  EU’s NIS2 Directive EU’s NIS2 Directive came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law The transportation sector must also be prepared for greater legislative responsibility in the near future. The EU’s NIS2 Directive recently came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law. The Directive aims to increase the overall level of cyber preparedness by mandating capabilities such as Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Transport is among the sectors labeled as essential by the bill, meaning it will face a high level of scrutiny. Getting to grips with the complexities of XIoT and OT integration will be essential for organizations to achieve compliance and avoid fines. Global transportation infrastructure Finally, organizations must prepare for the inevitable breaches that will occur. This involves developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a breach. It also involves regularly testing and updating this plan to ensure its effectiveness. A well-prepared organization can respond quickly and effectively to a breach, minimizing its impact and ensuring a quick recovery.  In conclusion, mastering transportation cybersecurity requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. It involves implementing robust technical measures, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and preparing for the inevitable breaches that will occur. By taking these steps, organizations can enhance their cyber resilience, protect their critical operations, and ensure the security of our global transportation infrastructure.

There’s a new security paradigm emerging across malls, server farms, smart office buildings, and warehouses, and its advantage over the status quo are so broad they are impossible to ignore. Instead of a lecture, let’s start with a short narrative scenario to illustrate my point. Darryl's work Darryl works as a security guard at the Eastwood Mall. Like any typical evening, tonight’s shift begins at 9:30 PM, as the stores close and the crowds thin. His first task: Ensure that by 10 pm, all mall visitors have actually left and that all doors, windows, and docks are locked securely. As he walks through most major areas throughout the mall, he checks them off his list. All’s quiet, so after a 45-minute patrol, he stops for a quick coffee break before heading out again. He repeats the process throughout the night, happy to finish each round’s checklist and rest his feet for a few minutes. Challenge: Vandalism during the shift  A few cameras located sporadically throughout the mall recorded two dark figures moving in and out of the shadows As usual, there’s nothing notable to report, he clocks out and heads home. The next morning, however, he's greeted by an angry mall manager. He learns that sometime during his shift, three stores were robbed and a back hallway vandalized. A few closed-circuit cameras located sporadically throughout the mall recorded two dark figures moving in and out of the shadows at about 4 am. The mall manager demands an explanation, and Daryl has none, “They must have been hiding during closing time and then waited for me to pass before acting,” he says. “I can only be in one place at one time. And if they were hiding in a dark hallway, I would never have seen them.” Theft explanation “Actually,” explains the manager, “we found a loading door ajar near the furniture store. We’re guessing that’s how they got in, but we can’t be sure. Do you check all the docks? We need to know if we need to replace a lock. Look at your logs - tell me exactly what you saw and when.” Daryl tries to recall. “I'm pretty sure I checked that one a couple of times. I checked it off my list.” Darrell decides not to mention that at 4:00 AM, he was feeling the night's fatigue and might have skipped that area a couple of times. That's the end of our tale. Poor Daryl is not a bad security guard, but he’s only human. His job is repetitive and unstimulating. Darryl's work log He checks off each location for the record, but there's no way for him to record the thousands of details Let’s discuss his hourly log. He checks off each location for the record, but there's no way for him to record the thousands of details he sees to later zoom in on the few observations that might be helpful for an investigation. He has walked by that loading dock door hundreds of times, and it's all a blur. This isn’t an unusual story; Darryl is doing the same job that humans have been doing in almost precisely the same way for millennia. And, like last night, the criminals have always found a way to avoid them. But there is a better way. Solution: Fully-automated indoor drone   Replacing a human guard with a fully-automated indoor drone eliminates virtually all the problems we've identified in this story as it flies through the facility: Drone teams can work 24/7: While each drone needs to dock to recharge its battery periodically, a fleet working in concert can patrol around the clock in multiple areas simultaneously. This makes it much more difficult for an intruder to move freely, without risk of discovery. A drone can even keep an eye out and keep recording while docked. Drones see and log everything: Everything is recorded and stored in full detail as they compare what they see with what they expect to see High-resolution onboard cameras and ultrasensitive sensors can detect heat, movement, and moisture, and see into dark areas much more effectively than the human eye. As they aren't limited to the floor, they can also fly high in the air to look above obstacles and at high windows or warehouse shelves. And they don’t lose focus or get bored as the night drags on: Everything is recorded and stored in full detail as they compare what they see with what they expect to see based on a previous flight. Anything unusual triggers an alert. Drones don’t need vacations, snack/bathroom breaks, or new-recruit training: Without the need to deal with biological requirements, you aren't paying for non-work hours, and there’s no overtime for extra hours or holiday shifts. In a high-turnover business like security, there's no time spent training new employees; adding drones to your fleet simply means installing your existing procedures onto each. There is certainly room for judgment calls that require human intervention, but these can often be handled remotely using a control panel that provides all relevant data and alerts from the drones on duty. That means no scrambling to the office in the middle of the night for a false alarm. Drones outshine stationary cameras and the people staring at those screens: A guard in the security office staring at dozens of these screens usually loses their attention span throughout the shift Close-circuit cameras are expensive to install, maintain, and periodically replace. In addition, they are limited in their scope and, almost by definition, leave large blind spots. A guard in the security office staring at dozens of these screens (that generally show nothing notable) usually loses their attention span throughout the shift. Conclusion  In short, there is a good reason that our industry is following close on the heels of the manufacturing industry, which has been eagerly adopting robotics as a more cost-effective and precise solution for years. It is simply becoming harder and harder to justify the expense of the traditionally error-prone and monotonous work that we ask of our security guards.

An attention-grabbing exhibit at GSX 2024 in Orlando involved a robot dog that could open a door.  Boston Dynamics robot dog ASSA ABLOY impressed attendees with the robotics demonstration, featuring the Boston Dynamics robot dog that could open a door using either an HID credential or a mechanical grip. This innovation represents a shift toward more autonomous security solutions and is suitable for environments where human access may be limited. ASSA ABLOY impressed attendees with the Boston Dynamics robot dog Operational efficiency Eye-catching exhibits at the GSX in Orlando, showcasing the future of security technology It was one of many eye-catching exhibits at the GSX in Orlando, showcasing the future of security technology, and offering practical solutions to the industry's challenges.  For security professionals, the advancements presented opportunities to enhance operational efficiency and to maintain a proactive stance in a rapidly evolving market.  Control ID face identification Alongside their robot demonstration, ASSA ABLOY also highlighted the Control ID Face Identification.  Access Controller, providing advanced facial recognition access control. From identity management to AI-driven surveillance systems, GSX 2024 offered a glimpse into the tools that can streamline processes, increase security, and reduce costs. Here are some other highlights. ASSA ABLOY also highlighted the Control ID Face Identification More integration with critical infrastructure  A major theme at GSX 2024 was the increasing integration of security solutions with critical infrastructure. ALCEA (formerly ASSA ABLOY Critical Infrastructure) is an example. Their globalized software solution ALWIN is designed for managing access control, visitor management, and other security factors across multiple locations. ALCEA's approach involves not only internal collaborations within ASSA ABLOY but also partnerships with external organizations. An example of innovation is the Neenah Foundry lockable manhole cover, blending safety and security. Solving identity management challenges  The solution simplifies onboarding and access request changes while ensuring compliance with policies Identity management continues to be a key focus in the security sector, and AMAG Technology addresses this need with its Symmetry Connect product. The solution simplifies onboarding and access request changes while ensuring compliance with policies. For professionals overseeing identity access management, Symmetry Connect provides a streamlined, automated approach, reducing human error and increasing operational efficiency. AMAG also sees a growing demand for efficient visitor management systems, especially in the post-COVID landscape. AMAG’s products cater to the need for enhanced security without overburdening staff.  AI and cloud-based surveillance solutions  Axis Communications highlighted its advancements in AI and cloud-based video management systems with its AXIS Camera Station Edge and Pro products. These solutions can connect seamlessly to cloud systems, providing security professionals with easy access to surveillance data anywhere. With the increasing need for centralized management, Axis’s offerings ensure that security teams can efficiently manage surveillance with minimal infrastructure. Axis also showcased its commitment to AI-driven analytics based on superior video quality. There were also networked audio solutions for public announcements and background music, among other uses. Body-worn cameras for corporate and Healthcare uses  Traditionally focused on law enforcement, Axon is now expanding its body-worn cameras and TASER technology into corporate, retail and healthcare environments. Their Axon Body Workforce camera is a practical solution for protecting frontline workers in high-risk environments.  Axon also introduced drone-based solutions for real-time aerial awareness Axon also introduced drone-based solutions for real-time aerial awareness, a significant benefit for large campuses or remote locations. As more industries adopt corporate surveillance systems, Axon’s offerings provide flexible, scalable solutions that address the need for real-time, actionable intelligence.  Cloud-based access for smart buildings  Brivo’s native cloud systems and flexible credentials offer practical, future-proof security options Brivo showcased how cloud technology is revolutionizing access control by offering systems that integrate seamlessly with other smart building platforms. Their open API approach enables collaboration with IT teams, bridging the gap between physical security and IT management. Brivo’s new partnership with Comcast Smart Solutions illustrates how large enterprises can implement advanced solutions, including access control while maintaining flexibility. For professionals managing complex building environments, Brivo’s native cloud systems and flexible credentials offer practical, future-proof security options.  AI-powered multi-sensor camera  Hanwha focused on an AI-powered multi-sensor camera, equipped with an NVIDIA processor capable of running complex analytics. In addition, Hanwha’s new AI camera technology can process multiple video streams simultaneously, either stream from its sensors or outside cameras, enabling better tracking of objects in complex environments. Their eight-channel AI Box, which converts legacy cameras into AI-enabled devices, is an attractive solution for professionals seeking to upgrade existing systems without the need for complete overhauls. For security teams looking to enhance situational awareness, Hanwha’s AI-based offerings provide advanced, scalable solutions.  Workflow management and hybrid cloud security  Genetec continued the theme of integrated solutions with their Operations Centre module for Security Centre, which consolidates work management into a single platform. Built on lean management principles, this system simplifies workflow for security professionals, promoting real-time collaboration across mobile and web platforms. As the industry shifts from on-premises systems to hybrid cloud solutions, Genetec’s products provide seamless transitions for organizations. Their new SaaS Security Centre also allows for natural language video searches in multiple languages, making it easier for global teams to manage operations across locations.  Simplifying remote surveillance  The company’s focus on scalability and efficiency is demonstrated by the “Eagle Eye Complete” subscription service Eagle Eye Networks showcased their continued international expansion, highlighting a new data center opening in Saudi Arabia and new hiring initiatives in Australia and Europe. Their “Eagle Eye Anywhere” solar-powered camera system exemplifies the move towards flexible, easy-to-install solutions that can be deployed in remote locations. Integrators benefit from simplified maintenance through remote management, reducing the need for on-site support and ensuring operational continuity. The company’s focus on scalability and efficiency, as demonstrated by the “Eagle Eye Complete” subscription service, reflects the broader industry’s shift toward managed security services.  Tailored solutions for commercial clients  Everon continues its transition away from its former identity as ADT Commercial. Claiming the status of a competitive commercial integrator, Everon is reinventing itself by offering customized billing and monitoring solutions for a range of industries. Their cloud-based business intelligence platform, which combines video surveillance with data analysis, is aimed at enhancing operational awareness by detecting anomalies such as OSHA violations or retail point-of-sale exceptions. With AI-driven dashboards, clients can customize their security solutions to meet specific needs, reflecting a growing demand for tailored, data-driven security applications.  Innovation through cloud and mobile LenelS2 is part of Honeywell, and they emphasized their investment in cloud and mobile solutions at GSX 2024. Their "Enterprise OnGuard Cloud" platform, launched in June 2024, is a testament to the growing demand for cloud-enabled access control systems. With the addition of NFC-enabled Blue Diamond credentials, LenelS2 is pushing towards smarter, more secure mobile access options. The strategic combination of Lenel’s solutions with Honeywell’s infrastructure offers users enhanced engineering capabilities and global reach. This reflects a broader market trend of integrating mobile devices into physical security protocols.  Bringing AI to everyday security LPR system, combined with their Searchlight Cloud Analytics, offers a powerful tool for identifying security risks March Networks highlighted their new AI-driven smart search feature, designed to help security teams quickly detect operational anomalies in retail and financial environments. From identifying misplaced cash in quick-service restaurants (QSRs) to detecting "jackpotting" attacks on ATMs, their solution highlights the increasing importance of AI in enhancing both security and operational efficiency. Their Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) system, combined with their Searchlight Cloud Analytics, offers a powerful tool for identifying and responding to security risks in real-time, emphasising the practicality of AI in daily security operations.  Driving sustainability in security  Securitas showcased its commitment to sustainability, a growing concern for businesses across all industries. By providing CO2 data for clients and promoting digital tools like mobile credentials, Securitas is leading the charge in creating greener, more sustainable security solutions. Their focus on remote services and occupancy insights offers companies a way to reduce their environmental impact while enhancing security operations. The company’s alignment with science-based targets and circular economy practices signifies the increasing role sustainability will play in the security sector.  Future lies in integration  The GSX 2024 trade show revealed that the future of security lies in intelligent integration, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based management systems. The innovations presented will help security professionals streamline their operations, enhance situational awareness, and future-proof their systems. As these technologies continue to evolve, professionals must stay informed about the latest advancements to maintain a competitive edge in the security marketplace. GSX was a great place to start. At the end of the day at GSX, it wasn’t just the robot dog that was opening doors …. to the future of security systems. {##Poll1727925373 - Of the important factors highlighted at GSX 2024, which do you consider most when adopting new security solutions?##}

Security applications for drones have evolved to provide benefits such as bird's-eye views of large areas, easy access to remote locations, and rapid deployment. However, to date, most drone applications have been outdoors. Not for long. Today, indoor drones are also finding unique opportunities for enhanced surveillance, security, and operational efficiency in indoor environments such as offices, warehouses, self-storage facilities, and malls. Indoor drones can navigate complex indoor spaces, providing real-time data and monitoring without the limitations of fixed cameras. New era of autonomous robotics A significant advantage of using drones indoors, as opposed to outdoors, is their ability to operate fully autonomously, circumventing U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that restrict such autonomy in outdoor environments. A new era of autonomous robotics enables drones to work seamlessly for users without the need for specialized flight training. A single security manager can oversee multiple indoor drones simultaneously with simple map clicks or prompts. A new era of autonomous robotics enables drones to work seamlessly for users Indoor monitoring and inspection Indoor Robotics is a company seeking to revolutionize indoor monitoring and inspection through its Control Bridge platform guiding indoor drones. Since its founding in 2018, Indoor Robotics has evolved through years of market engagement and product development. After initially recognizing a demand for autonomous indoor monitoring, the company found that existing hardware fell short. “However, we understood the challenges of full autonomy and knew we would solve it using drones,” says Bar Biton, Marketing Manager of Indoor Robotics. Indoor Robotics has evolved through years of market engagement and product development Hardware challenges  Seven years later, with the hardware challenges addressed, the company is shifting focus to continually increasing value for security managers, especially with generative AI (artificial intelligence). In 2018, the problem was charging methods, which has been solved with ceiling docking stations and five patents. “Today it’s about making indoor environments safer and even saving lives by identifying blocked emergency exits, missing safety gear, leaks, fire hazards, and more,” says Biton. While indoor navigation presents challenges—such as the unreliability of GPS and the need for precision — Indoor Robotics has dedicated significant resources to achieve centimeter-level accuracy and ensure the utmost safety, maintaining a record of zero safety incidents to date, says Biton. Indoor navigation presents challenges—such as the unreliability of GPS and the need for precision Advanced AI-driven navigation systems Navigation challenges for indoor drones include maneuvering through confined spaces, avoiding obstacles, and maintaining stable flight in varied lighting conditions. To address these, Indoor Robotics employs advanced AI-driven navigation systems, real-time 3D mapping, and robust obstacle avoidance technologies. These solutions enable drones to adapt to dynamic environments, ensuring precise and safe navigation. Additionally, the Control Bridge platform provides real-time data and monitoring, allowing drones to adjust their routes and respond to changing conditions effectively, thus enhancing their operational reliability. Highly versatile indoor drones find applications across numerous vertical markets such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and corporate settings. Key use cases encompass security surveillance, where drones monitor premises continuously; maintenance checks, especially in hard-to-reach areas; safety inspections to comply with regulations and company policies; and emergency response to provide real-time data during incidents. In warehouses, drones efficiently inspect high shelves. Healthcare facilities and data centers use them to oversee restricted zones. Additionally, corporate offices employ drones to automate after-hours security, safety, and maintenance routines. Indoor Robotics employs advanced AI-driven navigation systems, real-time 3D mapping, and robust obstacle-avoidance technologies Alerts to the remote management team One Indoor Robotics client, a global tech company, deploys drones to enhance site surveillance and operational efficiency across six offices in three countries. The drones conduct regular security patrols after-hours, monitor facility activities, and ensure compliance with safety standards. This deployment has significantly improved the overall safety and security of their offices. The drones provide real-time alerts to the remote management team, enabling prompt responses to any anomalies, such as maintenance issues or unauthorized access. “The key advantage is the unified security standard provided by our Control Bridge operating system, allowing them to oversee all their sites from one centralized platform, ensuring consistent security management across all locations,” says Biton. When indoor drones co-exist with human workers, primary challenges include ensuring safety and preventing disruptions. Drones are equipped with advanced sensors and AI-driven obstacle avoidance systems to detect and navigate effectively around people. Strict operational protocols and designated flight paths are implemented to minimize interactions. Additionally, many drone operations are scheduled for after-hours to further reduce potential disruptions. “Safety is our top priority, and we invest significant resources to ensure it,” says Biton. “We are proud to report zero safety issues to date, reflecting our commitment to maintaining a secure environment for both drones and human workers.” Deploys drones to enhance site surveillance and operational efficiency across six offices in three countries Implementation of indoor drones Indoor drones are significantly more cost-effective and affordable when compared to traditional security methods like additional cameras, sensors, manpower, and even ground robots, says Biton. They cover larger areas and provide dynamic surveillance in less time, offering real-time data collection and enhanced flexibility. Unlike cameras or ground robots, drones eliminate blind spots and adapt to environmental changes autonomously. They also offer substantial indirect savings by optimizing maintenance routines, according to Indoor Robotics. For instance, a drone can instantly identify issues in hard-to-reach areas, allowing for immediate, targeted responses, instead of requiring an inspector first and then a technician, thus streamlining maintenance processes. “The biggest obstacle to greater implementation of indoor drones is education and awareness,” says Biton. “Many people are not yet exposed to the concept of autonomous indoor drones and may find it hard to believe they really work.” To overcome this, Indoor Robotics focuses on creating awareness and educating customers about the reliability and benefits of the technology. Demonstrations, case studies, and clear communication about the capabilities and safety of drones are key. By showcasing successful implementations and providing hands-on experiences, Indoor Robotics seeks to build trust and drive wider adoption of indoor drone technology in security applications. Control Bridge operating system Drones are designed with strict privacy controls and advanced AI to ensure they respect privacy norms A common misconception is that indoor drones are intrusive and pose significant privacy risks. However, drones are designed with strict privacy controls and advanced AI to ensure they respect privacy norms. They operate primarily during off-hours and are programmed to avoid sensitive areas, focusing solely on enhancing security and operational efficiency. The solution also includes rigorous data protection measures to safeguard any collected information, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations and addressing concerns effectively. Soon, automation will become integral to tasks across all facility types, from manufacturing and logistics to retail and office spaces. Using Indoor Robotics’ Control Bridge operating system, facility managers will deploy fleets of robots to identify issues, collect data, and gain insights to enhance operations, maintenance, and safety. Facilities will benefit from 24/7 AI-driven monitoring, eliminating the need for occasional surveys. Managers will receive immediate alerts for any anomalies, with preventive maintenance tasks seamlessly integrated into building management platforms, ensuring optimal performance and safety. New standards in the industry  The Indoor Robotics platform-agnostic approach provides flexibility and scalability. “As we continue to evolve, we support more and more platforms, enabling our clients to tailor their indoor monitoring solutions to their specific needs,” says Biton. “We believe that the future of security lies in intelligent, automated systems that can adapt to dynamic environments and provide real-time insights,” says Biton. Indoor Robotics seeks to be at the forefront of this transformation, setting new standards in the industry and paving the way for a safer, more efficient future.

New robots and indoor drones for security applications are on the horizon, based on the work of ADT Commercials’ Innovation Lab, which is evaluating the new technologies’ value to customers and some typical use cases. The Innovation Lab has been in place for just under a year and just moved into a 2,000-square-foot facility that is staffed with four dedicated ADT Commercial employees and teams from various commercial innovation partners. The idea of the lab is to close the gap between the incubation of new technologies and the needs and realities of the ultimate customer. The goal is to adapt the design of a product to meet the customer’s need, instead of forcing the customer to adapt their use of the technology to meet its limitations. Addressing a problem Every project or investment at the innovation lab starts with the identification of the problem, never the solution" "Every project or investment at the innovation lab starts with the identification of the problem, never the solution," says Ed Bacco, Vice President, Enterprise Security Risk Group for ADT Commercial. “Then we develop detailed functional requirements to address what this technology needs to do to address the problem.” “Then – and only then – do we move toward developing the technical specifications to answer how the technology needs to operate to address the problem,” he adds. Prioritizing innovation The approach sets ADT Commercial apart from most labs. The last item they focus on is the creation of a business model to address how they can sell the technology. “Early on, the company recognized that if we truly want to focus on innovation, we need to prioritize invention over profits, which is why the lab doesn’t operate under a profit-and-loss model,” says Bacco. This article will describe two recent technologies the Innovation Lab has been working with, and how they can impact the future of the security industry. Halodi Humanoid Robotics Unlike other competitive robot solutions, Halodi Humanoid Robotics can interact with the built environment The ideal use of humanoid robots is to perform jobs that are considered repetitive, dirty, dangerous, and/or mundane. In security, that describes most security guard positions. Unlike some other competitive robot solutions, Halodi Humanoid Robotics can interact with the built environment, meaning that they can autonomously open doors, call elevators, present security badges, operate pins pads, and more. Observe and report functionality The basic use case for the bot is based on the fact that the role of 98% of all security guards is to “observe and report.” There is often a misconception in the public that guards are widely permitted to engage hands-on with alleged offenders, but most guarding contracts restrict that ability. Therefore, given the mundane and routine nature of guarding, humans find it a challenge to maintain the high degree of awareness that is needed, whereas the bots never waiver, never rest and never lose awareness.   Alternative to human guards If a bot is to serve as an alternative to human guards, then it needs to interact with the human environment The bot wasn’t designed to be “human-like.” There is a general concept in humanoid robotics called the “uncanny valley” that defines a tipping point when humans become uncomfortable with humanoid robots if their design resembles humans too closely. However, if a bot is to serve as an alternative to human guards, then it needs to be capable of interacting with an environment that was designed for humans. That means opening doors, riding elevators, bending down, picking up items, etc. Remotely operated Current robotic devices are skilled at sensing/analyzing the environments they are deployed in, but their ability to interact with them is limited. The other advantage of a humanoid robot is when it’s being remotely operated in the avatar mode, meaning virtually, the human operator finds the experience familiar and intuitively knows what to do. Access, intrusion, and VMS integration The bots can be integrated with access control, intrusion, and video management systems and can conduct patrols autonomously and report anomalies, and/or respond to alarms via those same systems. The bots can be equipped with other sensors to constantly analyze the environment for threats to human life such as carbon monoxide, smoke, hazardous chemicals, or poor air quality. IR capabilities IR capabilities also enable the bot to detect the possible failing or overheating of equipment They are capable of “seeing” in the Infrared Range (IR), which makes them suitable for responding to the source of fire/smoke alarms while humans evacuate. IR capabilities also enable the bot to detect the possible failing or overheating of equipment. Although designed to operate autonomously, the bot can also be controlled by a simple point-and-click mapping device or using the avatar control system. Applications “The biggest challenge we’ve seen with customers who are conducting in-field pilots is aligning their excitement of how the bots can improve their traditionally non-security applications with the current capabilities,” says Bacco. These applications include using the bots to conduct safety audits of items like fire extinguishers and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), serving as a fire watch, greeting visitors in the lobby, and automating gates at industrial and distribution sites. Autonomous Indoor Drones COVID-19 has shown that customers are looking for predictable and repeatable solutions to meet their security needs" As the name implies, autonomous indoor drones are focused on flying indoors versus the outdoor environment, which is heavily regulated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Flying autonomously indoors not only eliminates FAA oversight but also will enable ADT Commercial to offer another choice to customers to further reduce their dependencies on and costs of human guards. “The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that customers are looking for predictable and repeatable solutions to meet their security needs that aren’t dependent on humans,” says Bacco. The three use cases for the drones are automated alarm response, random tours, and directed missions. Automated response mode In the automated response mode, when an alarm is triggered, the drone will automatically initiate a mission to the point of alarm and report any anomalies (i.e., people, heat signature, etc.). It can also be programmed to fly random patrols as a deterrent to a possible breach, and an operator can remotely initiate a mission using a simple point-and-click map interface.  Drone mobility An obvious comparison is to fixed camera systems, which are an important component of any security system. But, unlike a fixed device, the mobility of a drone enables a view of an environment that is more easily understood by humans, meaning that we think and see in 3D, whereas fixed views are limited to 2D. Added to that, there is a deterrence factor that a mobile surveillance device has over a fixed. Noise consideration and applications Customers want to fly drones 24/7 in minimally manned locations such as data centers, warehouses The drone is designed to operate in environments that are being shared with humans. As an example, it will not initiate a mission if a person is standing under it, and it will autonomously alter course if a person is in its flight path. However, like all drones, the noise factor is a consideration, and the best applications in offices are after hours. Customers want to fly them 24/7 in more minimally manned locations such as data centers, warehouses, and manufacturing facilities, where noise is less a factor. Stand-alone and integrated system An indoor drone can be operated as a stand-alone system with its user interface, or it can be integrated fully with traditional security and VMS systems. “We are also developing additional computer vision-based analytics that will leverage the cameras on the drone,” says Bacco.

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc., a pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions, along with its wholly owned subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), announced that it has received an order for ten ROSA™ units bundled with ten SARA™ (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent) licenses for deployment inside a major sports venue in the United States. The new installations will support the arena’s security team with enhanced monitoring, rapid event detection and autonomous voice-driven response throughout interior zones. Evaluating modern security technologies The arena had been evaluating modern security technologies to address persistent trespassing, vandalism and other unauthorized activity across its interior spaces. This order follows a series of assessments in which RAD solutions demonstrated clear advantages in autonomous detection, operator support and rapid on-site response.  The venue is also reviewing additional RAD offerings for broader facility coverage, including ROAMEO™ and RIO™ units for expanded indoor and outdoor protection. How venues can strengthen security “This is an ideal application for ROSA paired with SARA,” said Mark Folmer, CPP, PSP, President of RAD. “These deployments show how venues can strengthen security, improve response times and reduce operating costs with a solution that works around the clock without added staffing.” SARA’s real-time detections ROSA units equipped with SARA, the Company’s multiple award-winning agentic AI platform, will provide continuous event detection, verification and automated voice response, giving on-site staff and remote operators clearer insight into activity across the arena. SARA’s real-time detections and notifications help reduce operator workload, improve situational awareness and ensure that critical events receive immediate attention. This combination allows security teams to focus on higher-value tasks while maintaining consistent coverage. ROSA’s AI-driven security analytics ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSA’s AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RAD’s software suite notification and autonomous response library.  Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSA’s high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published seven Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at mobile home parks, retail centers, hospital campuses, multi-family communities, car rental locations and construction sites across the country. 

In the fast-evolving landscape of intelligent manufacturing, Dahua Technology is shaping a new benchmark with its advanced innovation capabilities and efficient production models, creating a fully digitalized and automated smart manufacturing system. Dahua AIoT Industrial Park From being recognized with China’s “National Worker Pioneer” award last year to being named one of the country’s first “Excellence-level Smart Factories” this year, the Dahua AIoT Industrial Park has made great strides in transforming its production. The factory features key innovations, such as automated assembly, unmanned testing, visualized supervision, and autonomous logistics. It fully integrates people, machines, materials, methods, and environment to deliver an exceptional user experience to customers worldwide. A model of human-machine collaboration Dahua has created a highly adaptive and collaborative smart manufacturing model By combining intelligent material management, automated assembly and testing, flexible production lines, an AIoT digital system, and digital twin technology, Dahua has created a highly adaptive and collaborative smart manufacturing model. The factory’s flexible production lines are designed for agility — capable of seamlessly switching between tasks at the push of a button, handling precision electronic components and complex structural parts alike. This flexibility is made possible by the deep integration of advanced automation and intelligent equipment in key production processes: Automated Screw Fastening: Equipped with visual positioning and real-time inspection modules for precise fastening and risk prevention. Airtightness Testing: AI-powered testing in collaboration with robotic arms for fully automated operation. Precision Dispensing: Visually guided dispensing combined with real-time quality inspection. Real-time digital twin operations The factory operates 24/7, continuously capturing data from all equipment and production processes With digital twin technology, the factory operates 24/7, continuously capturing data from all equipment and production processes. It creates accurate 1:1 digital models of production lines, robots, and machinery, using real-time data to simulate production flows, monitor line status, and predict potential issues.  Even during non-operating hours, smart inspections for environment, perimeter, and fire safety run automatically, with instant alerts for any anomalies. Through the operations center, managers can access live data and make informed decisions to drive efficiency and reduce costs. Unmanned Testing & Quality Management Dahua enhances product quality through granular market insights, modular R&D design, and intelligent testing systems. Leveraging PLM (Product Lifecycle Management), testing parameters are auto-calibrated, while a big-data-driven “Smart Test Brain” continuously fine-tunes test strategies in real time. Dahua enhances product quality via granular market insights and design. Testing processes for mature products are streamlined, while defect predictions automatically trigger stricter testing standards, ensuring fast, high-quality output. For end-to-end quality control, every product is tracked using a unique QR code, enabling instant traceability across its entire lifecycle. This system builds a comprehensive quality data pool that supports production optimization and quality strategy adjustments. Autonomous Logistics for High-Efficiency Operations Dahua's smart warehouse combines vertical storage systems with a network of AGVs Dahua’s smart warehouse combines vertical storage systems with a network of AGVs, intelligent conveyor lines, robotic arms, vision systems, and automated labeling equipment, all managed via a digital platform to enable fully unmanned “lights-out” factory operations. During the inbound processes, products are automatically scanned, measured, packaged, and assigned by the Warehouse Control System (WCS), with robotic arms and AGVs handling storage placement. Outbound processes are fully automated as well — whether for full pallets, single-SKU shipments, or mixed-SKU orders — and completed within 10 minutes through coordinated efforts of AGVs, robotic arms, and conveyor lines. Looking Ahead From “Pioneer” to “Excellence,” the Dahua AIoT Industrial Park is achieving new levels of production efficiency, product quality, and operational synergy through the deep integration of IT and OT technologies. Moving forward, Dahua will continue driving innovation and contributing to new-generation productivity, helping industries worldwide benefit from intelligent manufacturing and creating a smarter future for all.

The manufacturing sector is currently facing several challenges. Technological change, pressing environmental issues, and globalization require several adjustments, such as investing in new technologies, conserving resources, and optimizing and securing supply chains. Globally operating companies have to face a changing environment and at the same time manage problems in supply chains. Shifting production back to the domestic market is increasingly an option. This requires not only resilience but also compliance with strict environmental regulations and cost-efficient strategies to make domestic manufacturing competitive. Automation through robotics Moreover, those who want to ensure the competitiveness of domestic production must overcome personnel bottlenecks. Automation through robotics has long since become the driving force here, and artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly taking on a key role. This technology is developing just as rapidly as the pressure for automation is increasing. To map production processes in one's own company with AI, the simplest possible AI integration and the shortening of training phases are already decisive factors. AI-based solution The easy-to-integrate system consists of a module for robot arms, a computing unit with pre-installed intelligent software This is where British start-up Cambrian Robotics Limited comes in with a fully AI-based solution for various robotics applications in manufacturing. It takes over fast bin picking or pick-and-place, the exact feeding of parts for machines as well as different work steps in material handling, for the benefit of more efficiency in assembly tasks or warehouse logistics. The easy-to-integrate system consists of a module for robot arms, a computing unit with pre-installed intelligent software, and a camera module, each equipped in series with two uEye+ XCP cameras from IDS. Self-learning software "The task of the cameras is to take a picture of the area with the objects to be handled. Based on the recordings, the software can analyze the scene and recognize where exactly the objects are located," explains Miika Satori, founder and CEO of Cambrian Robotics. Further processing of the images is carried out with the help of the heart of Cambrian Vision, a specially developed, self-learning software for predicting the position of the parts as well as their pick points. This takes care of the image matching on an AI basis so that no classic 3D point cloud is needed. GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) The AI models for part recognition and communication with the robot are controlled by a powerful GPU Based on simulated data, the AI learns independently and locates the removal points and parts extremely precisely. The AI models for part recognition and communication with the robot are controlled by a powerful GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). The software learns quickly, "With the Cambrian software package, pick points for new parts can be defined and the application configured within just two to five minutes," emphasizes start-up founder Satori. uEye XCP industrial cameras The associated camera module is equipped with two space-saving uEye XCP industrial cameras. "The two IDS cameras provide images of the object scene from different viewing angles according to the stereo vision principle. The challenge is to determine the position of the part to be gripped as accurately as possible from these images. This is again the task of AI," says Miika Satori. CAD applications for 3D Standard CAD applications for 3D bin picking often use structured light or sensors to do this" The combination of image acquisition, AI models, and special image processing makes it possible to determine recording points and positions particularly precisely. "Standard CAD applications for 3D bin picking often use structured light or sensors to do this, projecting something onto the environment, creating a point cloud, and then trying to find the part in it. Cambrian uses only two standard IDS industrial cameras instead of a 3D camera." Precise vision With an accuracy of less than one millimeter, Cambrian Vision is also much more precise than competing systems. "The system reliably detects a wide range of parts, including shiny, reflective, or transparent components, where conventional machine vision systems often reach their limits. At the same time, it remains robust against external light conditions," says Miika Satori, describing the special requirements for the cameras, which are an elementary part of the solution.  170 milliseconds inference speed The one-shot system is currently one of the fastest AI image recognition systems on the market "It's also super-fast, with an inference speed of less than 170 milliseconds, whereas it often takes more than 1000 milliseconds for comparable solutions." The fast calculation time allows cycle times of two to three seconds in a bin-picking setting. "This ensures efficient, precise, and accurate execution in a single pass," Miika Satori underlines. This makes the One-Shot system currently one of the fastest AI image recognition systems on the market. This is made possible not least by the SuperSpeed USB 5 Gbps cameras, which reliably deliver high-resolution data for detailed image evaluations in any environment, explicitly in applications with low ambient light or changing light conditions. Back Side Illumination pixel technology Due to BSI ("Back Side Illumination") pixel technology, the integrated sensor (1/2.5" 5.04 MPixel rolling shutter CMOS sensor on semi AR0521) offers stable low-light performance as well as high sensitivity in the NIR (near infrared) range so that the uEye XCPs deliver high-quality images in almost any lighting situation with low pixel noise at the same time. With its compact, lightweight full housing (29 x 29 x 17 millimeters, 61 grams) and screwable USB Micro-B connector, the USB3 XCP is particularly suitable for use in combination with robots and cobots in the field of automation. XCP cameras XCP cameras can be easily integrated into any image processing system and can be used with any suitable software Due to USB3 and Vision Standard compatibility (U3V / GenICam), the XCP cameras can be easily integrated into any image processing system and can be used with any suitable software. The simple integration via the standard interface is particularly advantageous for Miika Satori, "Depending on the customer's requirements, we use other IDS cameras in our system. The standardized interface enables rapid deployment of a wide variety of uEye models." Custom Cambrian Vision solutions Compatible with popular lenses, a wide range of cameras from the IDS portfolio can be used as eyes for custom Cambrian Vision solutions, helping to maximize production performance.The top speed, the particularly high light insensitivity, and the wide component bandwidth that the system achieves due to the powerful IDS cameras and intelligent software make it particularly interesting for automation tasks in the production environment. Intelligent 3D vision system They conserve resources and save costs by operating more efficiently, competitively, and sustainably Another key to efficiency lies in the uncomplicated integration of Cambrian Vision. The intelligent 3D vision system is ready for immediate use without any real robot training, a remarkable acceleration compared to conventional methods. Companies can therefore quickly reap the benefits of automation: They conserve resources and save costs by operating more efficiently, competitively, and sustainably, while improving the quality of their products and the safety of their employees. AI in robotics "The use of AI in robotics is still in its infancy," says Miika Satori. Due to the growing demand, the development in the field of image processing with AI will be further advanced, cameras with higher data rates and faster and larger sensors will come onto the market, as well as further price-optimized models with reliable basic functions.  Smaller and more affordable By using AI-powered robots for mundane and repetitive tasks, human resources can be redirected "Industrial cameras are getting smaller and more affordable. This will enable even more applications. Our vision is to give robots capabilities on the same level as humans." By using AI-powered robots for mundane and repetitive tasks, human resources can be redirected to more creative, productive, and valuable tasks. Camera uEye XCP - the industry's smallest housing camera with a C-mount. Model used: U3-3680XCP Camera family: uEye XCP Client By combining robotics and artificial intelligence, Cambrian Robotics is developing a productive tool that replaces human hands in the manufacturing of products. With the help of intelligent automation, costs are to be reduced and people are to be given more time for meaningful tasks. Cambrian Vision is a fully AI-based solution for various robotics applications in manufacturing such as bin picking, assembly, feature recognition and localization, pick and place, placement, wire harness, and cable assembly.

Robots do monotonous workflows and less pleasant, repetitive tasks with brilliance. Combined with image processing, they become “seeing” and reliable supporters of humans. They are used in quality assurance to check components, help with the assembly and positioning of components, detect errors and deviations in production processes, and thus increase the efficiency of entire production lines. An automobile manufacturer is taking advantage of this to improve the cycle time of its press lines. Together with the latter, VMT Vision Machine Technic Bildverarbeitungssysteme GmbH from Mannheim developed the robot-based 3D measuring system FrameSense for the fully automatic loading and unloading of containers. Pressed parts are thus safely and precisely inserted into or removed from containers. Four Ensenso 3D cameras from IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH provide the basic data and thus the platform for process automation. Application The actual workflow that FrameSense is designed to automate is part of many manufacturing operations. A component comes out of a machine-here a press- and runs on a conveyor belt to a container. There it is stacked. As soon as the container is full, it is transported to the next production step, e.g., assembly into a vehicle. All these tasks are now to be taken over by a robot with a vision system-a technological challenge Up to now, employees have been responsible for loading the containers. This actually simple subtask is more complex than one might think at first glance. In addition to the actual insertion process, the first step is to determine the appropriate free space for the part. At the same time, any interfering factors, such as interlocks, must be removed and a general check of the “load box” for any defects must be carried out. All these tasks are now to be taken over by a robot with a vision system-a technological challenge. This is because the containers also come from different manufacturers, are of different types, and thus vary in some cases in their dimensions. Positioning of the components For their fully automatic loading and unloading, the position of several relevant features of the containers must be determined for a so-called multi-vector correction of the robot. The basis is a type, shape, and position check of the respective container.  This is the only way to ensure process-reliable and collision-free path guidance of the loading robot. All this has to be integrated into the existing production process. Time delays must be eliminated and the positioning of the components must be accurate to the millimeter. 3D point cloud These point clouds of all four sensors are combined for the subsequent evaluation To counter this, VMT uses four 3D cameras per system. The four sensors each record a part of the entire image field. This can consist of two containers, each measuring approximately 1.5 × 2 × 1.5 meters (D × W × H). Two of the cameras focus on one container.  This results in data from two perspectives each for a higher information quality of the 3D point cloud. These point clouds of all four sensors are combined for the subsequent evaluation. In the process, registrations of relevant features of the container take place in Regions of Interest (ROIs) of the total point cloud. Interference contours  Registration is the exact positioning of a feature using a model in all six degrees of freedom. In other ROIs, interference contours are searched for which could lead to collisions during loading. Finally, the overall picture is compared with a stored reference model. In this way, the containers can be simultaneously checked for their condition and position in a fully automated manner. Even deformed or slanted containers can be processed. All this information is also recorded for use in a quality management system where the condition of all containers can be traced. The calibration as well as the consolidation of the measurement data and their subsequent evaluation are carried out in a separate IPC (industrial computer) with screen visualization, operating elements, and connection to the respective robot control. Image processing solution The entire image processing takes place in the image processing software MSS developed by VMT The main result of the image processing solution is the multi-vector correction. In this way, the robot is adjusted to be able to insert the component at the next possible, suitable deposit position. Secondary results are error messages due to interfering edges or objects in the container that would prevent filling.  Damaged containers that are in a generally poor condition can be detected and sorted out with the help of the data. The entire image processing takes place in the image processing software Multi-Sensor Systems (MSS) developed by VMT. FrameSense is designed to be easy to use and can also be converted to other components directly on site. Robust 3D camera system On the camera side, VMT relies on Ensenso 3D cameras-initially on the X36 model. The current expansion stage of FrameSense is equipped with the Ensenso C variant. The reasons for the change are mainly the better projector performance-thanks to a new projection process-as well as a higher recording speed. In addition, the Ensenso C enables a larger measuring volume. This is an important criterion for FrameSense, because the robot can only reach the containers to be filled up to a certain distance. The specifications of the Ensenso C thus correspond exactly to VMT's requirements, as project manager and technology manager Andreas Redekop explains: "High projector performance and resolution together with fast data processing were our main technical criteria when selecting the camera. The installation in a fixed housing was also an advantage.” Ensenso models Housing of a robust 3D camera system meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67 The Ensenso C addresses current challenges in the automation and robotics industry. Compared to other Ensenso models, it provides both 3D and RGB color information. Customers thus benefit from even more meaningful image data. The housing of the robust 3D camera system meets the requirements of protection class IP65/67.  It offers a resolution of 5 MP and is available with baselines from current to approx. 455 mm. This means that even large objects can be reliably detected. The camera is quick and easy to use and addresses primarily large-volume applications, e.g., in medical technology, logistics, or factory automation. Outlook By automatically loading and unloading containers and the integrated 3D container inspection, manual workstations can be automated with the help of FrameSense. Against the background of the shortage of skilled workers, the system can thus make an important contribution to process automation in the automotive industry, among others. It meets the prevailing challenges of the industry. Ensenso C provides the crucial basis for data generation and exceeds the requirements of many applications. Lukas Neumann from Product Management sees their added value especially here: “The high projector power and large sensor resolutions are particularly advantageous in the field of intralogistics. Here, high-precision components have to be gripped from a great distance with a large measuring volume.” For other stacking or bin-picking applications in classic logistics, he could imagine a similar camera with high projector power but lower resolution and fast recording. So nothing stands in the way of further developments and automation solutions in conjunction with "seeing" robots.

The Metaverse sounds like the plot of the latest summer action movie. In reality, it’s a technology - or, more accurately, a group of technologies - that will likely have a transformational impact on a host of markets. For security, the Metaverse has an extensive list of needs. It also presents some opportunities. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What does the Metaverse mean for security?

Perimeter security is the first line of defense against intruders entering a business or premises. Traditionally associated with low-tech options such as fencing, the field of perimeter security has expanded in recent years and now encompasses a range of high-tech options. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology?

The new year 2019 is brimming with possibilities for the physical security industry, but will those possibilities prove to be good news or bad news for our market? Inevitably, it will be a combination of good and bad, but how much good and how bad? We wanted to check the temperature of the industry as it relates to expectations for the new year, so we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How optimistic is your outlook for the physical security industry in 2019? Why?