Robotics

Allied Universal, a facility services company and the largest security force in North America, and partner Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) will introduce the latest guarding solutions, the Security Control and Observation Tower (SCOT) and SCOT Wally to commercial real estate customers at the BOMA International Conference & Expo. The show is slated for June 23-26 at Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas. Show attendees are invited to visit the Allied Universal booth #704 for demonstrations of the robotic technology’s concierge-like capabilities. “Our partnership with Allied Universal and presence here at the BOMA show demonstrates how modern artificial intelligence can be effectively used to expand and enhance a traditional security program,” said Steve Reinharz, President and CEO, RAD. “We're thrilled to demonstrate how SCOT and Wally can easily become the next member of a building's security team not only in the commercial space, but in other vertical markets as well.” The tower station is customisable and can be used anywhere a ‘stand-at-post’ guarding position is in use at any visitor/employee check-in spot or kiosk location Perimeter Surveillance SCOT, a standalone, portable remote self-sufficient intelligence observation tower can instantly expand an organization’s security reach with perimeter surveillance for critical infrastructure, distribution and storage centers, and other restricted properties. Within the CRE market, it can extend security for corporate campuses, lobby areas, parking lots, HOAs and recreational facilities. The tower station is customisable and can be used anywhere a ‘stand-at-post’ guarding position is in use at any visitor/employee check-in spot or kiosk location. It’s cost effective and flexible. SCOT Wally With RAD Software Suite A smaller variation on the SCOT tower being launched at the BOMA show is the SCOT Wally, a wall-mounted security solution with visibility of up to 110 degrees. Like the original SCOT, the device can perform the following: * Adds support as a security measure and as a tool for concierge services. Allied Universal will also present the education session: A Deeper Dive into How Robots, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence Converge to Make Facilities Smarter and Safer * Takes RAD's artificial intelligence-powered technologies and uses them to enhance an organization's situational awareness, communication and control. * Features the RAD software suite, which harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to give security officials the actionable information they need to address incidents quickly and efficiently. Allied Universal, a BOMA Cornerstone partner, will also present the education session: A Deeper Dive into How Robots, Drones, and Artificial Intelligence Converge to Make Facilities Smarter and Safer at the show on Tues., June 26, at 10:45 a.m. Technologies such as the SCOT and SCOT Wally will be discussed.

If you’ve been paying attention over the last twelve months, you will have noticed that deep learning techniques and artificial intelligence (AI) are making waves in the physical security market, with manufacturers eagerly adopting these buzzwords at the industry's biggest trade shows. With all the hype, security professionals are curious to know what these terms really mean, and how these technologies can boost real-world security system performance. The growing number of applications of deep learning technology and AI in physical security is a clear indication that these are more than a passing fad. This review of some of our most comprehensive articles on these topics shows that AI is an all-pervasive trend that the physical security industry will do well to embrace quickly. Here, we examine the opportunities that artificial intelligence presents for smart security applications, and look back at how some of the leading security companies are adapting to respond to rapidly-changing expectations: What Is Deep Learning Technology? Machine Learning involves collecting large amounts of data related to a problem, training a model using this data and employing this model to process new data. Recently, there have been huge advances in a branch of Machine Learning called Deep Learning. This describes a family of algorithms based on neural networks. These algorithms are able to learn efficiently from example, and subsequently apply this learning to new data. Here, Zvika Ashani explains how deep learning technology can boost video surveillance systems. Relationship Between Deep Learning And Artificial Intelligence With deep learning, you can show a computer many different images and it will "learn" to distinguish the differences. This is the "training" phase. After the neural network learns about the data, it can then use "inference" to interpret new data based on what it has learned. For example, if it has seen enough cats before, the system will know when a new image is a cat. In effect, the system “learns” by looking at lots of data to achieve artificial intelligence (AI). Larry Anderson explores how new computer hardware - the Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) – is making artificial intelligence accessible to the security industry. Improving Surveillance Efficiency And Accuracy With AI Larry Anderson explains how the latest technologies from Neurala and Motorola will enable the addition of AI to existing products, changing an existing solution from a passive sensor to a device that is “active in its thinking.” The technology is already being added to existing Motorola body-worn-cameras to enable police officers to more efficiently search for objects or persons of interest. In surveillance applications, AI could eliminate the need for humans to do repetitive or boring work, such as look at hours of video footage. Intelligent Security Systems Overcome Smart City Surveillance Challenges AI technology is expected to answer the pressing industry questions of how to use Big Data effectively and make a return on the investment in expensive storage, while maintaining (or even lowering) human capital costs. However, until recently, these expectations have been limited by factors such as a limited ability to learn, and high ongoing costs. Zvika Ashani examines how these challenges are being met and overcome, making artificial intelligence the standard in Smart City surveillance deployments. Combining AI And Robotics To Enhance Security Operations With the abilities afforded by AI, robots can navigate any designated area autonomously to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior or alert first responders to those who may need aid. This also means that fewer law enforcement and/or security personnel will have be pulled from surrounding areas. While drones still require a human operator to chart their flight paths, the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is increasing the capabilities of these machines to work autonomously, says Steve Reinharz. Future Of Artificial Intelligence In The Security Industry Contributors to SourceSecurity.com have been eager to embrace artificial intelligence and its ability to make video analytics more accurate and effective. Manufacturers predicted that deep learning technology could provide unprecedented insight into human behaviour, allowing video systems to more accurately monitor and predict crime. They also noted how cloud-based systems hold an advantage for deep learning video analytics. All in all, manufacturers are hoping that AI will provide scalable solutions across a range of vertical markets. 

KeyMe, a supplier for total access and key management solutions, has added two key executives to its ranks. Jimmy Abbott joins as KeyMe's new CFO, and Adam McCann as the Director of Analytics, a newly created position. KeyMe grew its business over 300% in 2017 and is on track to more than triple it again in 2018.  "The hiring of Jimmy Abbott and Adam McCann add tremendous depth to our senior leadership team and ensures that we are focused on our goal of long-term profitability as we rapidly scale to become the dominant brand in the access and security industry," says Greg Marsh, CEO of KeyMe. Jimmy Abbott is a seasoned corporate finance executive with 15 years of experience in technology and consumer companies. He built his career at Amazon and Zappos and has held CFO positions at several rapidly growing startups. Jimmy was a key member of the Zappos finance team during the amazon acquisition - the largest all-stock deal of 2009 - and has raised over 100M of debt and equity in his prior CFO positions. As the new CFO, he will be responsible for KeyMe's strategic financial plan, and will help the company to grow rapidly and at scale. Adam McCann will be responsible for deriving new insights that will drive significant revenue growth and business optimization Analytics And Data Visualization Expertise Adam McCann is a recognized leader in analytics and data visualization, with 13 years of experience with the proven ability to transform how organizations use data. Prior to joining KeyMe, Adam led a team of data scientists and engineers at Deloitte Consulting, where he was responsible for building complex analytical solutions and helping his clients gain insight from their data. Adam is a three-time Tableau Zen Master, an annual recognition by Tableau for the Top 20 contributors. He also teaches an information visualization course at the Maryland Institute College of Art, and currently runs DuelingData.com, a data visualization blog which provides examples of data visualization innovations and best practices. As the new Director of Analytics, he will be responsible for deriving new insights that will drive significant revenue growth and business optimization. Eliminating Human Error KeyMe is fundamentally changing the way millions of people make and manage their keys by offering consumers an array of digital options, including key copying, storage, and management to support the vast majority of home, office, mailbox, high security, vehicle, and RFID keys. KeyMe kiosks employ a sophisticated and patented combination of artificial intelligence, computer vision and robotics, which safely and effectively eliminate human error in the key duplication process.

Hikvision Canada Inc., a provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, and the supplier of video surveillance products and solutions, participated in the 23rd Annual Starlight Children’s Foundation Gala to raise funds in support of Starlight’s vital in-hospital and out-of-hospital programs for children struggling with illness and their families across Canada. The gala was an inspiring event, and we were grateful to be there to help raise funds to support all the ways Starlight gives back to families such as ours" Donated 4-camera Kit For Raising Funds Hikvision was a Starlight Family sponsor and donated a Hikvision 4-camera kit for the gala’s silent auction, which sold for $1,000. Hikvision distribution sales manager for Canada, Clark Northcott, attended the gala with his wife. The Northcotts have been a Starlight Family since January 2018, and their daughter Ella’s dream trip was granted through the Starlight Wish Program, which gives a seriously ill child the opportunity to select a once-in-a-lifetime experience. “The gala was an inspiring event, and we were grateful to be there to help raise funds to support all the ways Starlight gives back to families such as ours. Starlight granted Ella’s wish this year, and our family was flown to Florida for a week long, cost-free trip by the nonprofit,” said Northcott. “Ella had a blast. We spent time at Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld, with VIP passes to every ride and event at the parks. The trip helped our family experience a new sense of hope, strength and excitement; our worries were forgotten.” The Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada has been transforming the lives of Canadian children, who live with serious illness, and their families Supporting Seriously Ill Children Held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto on April 21, 2018, the gala featured a dinner, silent auction, entertainment, and speeches from select Starlight Wish families. The Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada has been transforming the lives of Canadian children who live with serious illness and their families, using its various programs to provide relief, entertainment, special family memories, and a renewed sense of strength and hope. “The Starlight Foundation is an incredible organization, and Hikvision is proud we could raise funds with our Canadian team members to support their efforts for children living with serious illness and injury,” said Alex Asnovich, Head of Marketing, Hikvision North America.

Hikvision USA Inc., a provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, and the supplier of video surveillance products and solutions, provided a new, high-resolution IP security system installed by Hikvision integrator ADT/Protection 1, to upgrade security for the Battleship North Carolina, a national historic landmark in Wilmington, N.C. A stationary nine-level ship and museum, the Battleship North Carolina is a memorial honoring the 11,000 North Carolina service members who perished in World War II, along with all veterans. Visitor attractions include mess halls, the engine room, the bridge, and the Combat Information Center. Hikvision integrator partner ADT/Protection 1 upgraded the system and installed 45 new Hikvision cameras Replacing Analog Surveillance “The combination of Hikvision camera models and thoughtful camera placement has produced a broad surveillance umbrella for the Battleship North Carolina landmark, and also has some amazing views,” said Jason Summers, commercial sales at ADT/Protection 1. The ship’s cabling posed the biggest challenge, Summers said. “The USS North Carolina had a team of volunteers that handled cabling onboard the ship. Once the old coax cabling was removed, connecting the cameras and network was relatively easy.” After completing a major network upgrade last fall, it was an ideal time to replace the battleship's aging analog surveillance system. Hikvision integrator partner ADT/Protection 1 upgraded the system and installed 45 new Hikvision cameras. Hikvision 3 MP dome cameras, 2 MP 30x optical zoom PTZ cameras, 2 MP motorized zoom bullet cameras, and 2 MP turret cameras were placed throughout the main ship and the gift shop Recording Capacity Up To 40 Days A mix of Hikvision 3 MP dome cameras, 2 MP 30x optical zoom PTZ cameras, 2 MP motorized zoom bullet cameras, and 2 MP turret cameras were placed throughout the main ship and the gift shop. Two Hikvision 32-channel NVRs with 6 TB of storage provide recorded footage up to 40 days. “Hikvision contributes to the communities where we live and work,” said Alex Asnovich, Head of Marketing, Hikvision North America. “With our integrators as partners, we are able to support the community and give back to memorials like the Battleship North Carolina.”

A surveillance system provided by Hikvision Canada Inc., a top provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, and the supplier of video surveillance products and solutions, was installed by Hikvision integrator Off Grid Surveillance Platforms (OGSP) to secure a building during the remodeling process for Ajax Hyundai in Ontario, Canada. Hikvision posted a case study about the project on its website. OGSP specializes in surveillance systems that operate off the electrical grid, harnessing the sun to power video surveillance and live monitoring equipment. The installation provided 360-degree, panoramic surveillance that doubled as a theft deterrent, while giving the dealership the flexibility to zoom in for further detail Dome Cameras And NVR Installation OGSP installed four Hikvision DS-2CE4A220IW-AE 2MP Network PTZ Dome cameras atop a 24-foot base, and a Hikvision Embedded Plug & Play NVR (3 TB capacity) in a trailer on the site. The installation provided 360-degree, panoramic surveillance that doubled as a theft deterrent, while giving the dealership the flexibility to zoom in for further detail, scan recorded video for footage, and check in remotely from Hikvision’s iVMS app via a smartphone or tablet. Hikvision’s weatherproof cameras function in temperatures down to -30 degrees Celsius. The system can also be live monitored by central stations 24/7, where trespassers can be requested to leave through active bullhorns, and police can be immediately dispatched. Hikvision technology offers cost effective solutions that deliver the best image and video quality on the market" Cost-Effective Real-ime Monitoring Solutions Cable theft at construction sites and hydro installations is a significant problem in Canada, and people can be harmed by live wires. "To counter this problem, prevent injuries and even death, and reduce construction site theft, we devised a more diverse system providing greater power with reliable, real-time monitoring, via third parties and superior area coverage," said Jeff Mcilveen, owner of OGSP.  Sean Harris, general manager for Ajax Hyundai, said, "Hikvision technology offers cost effective solutions that deliver the best image and video quality on the market. The diverse features and quality of the cameras is unmatched." Jeffrey He, president of Hikvision USA Inc. and Hikvision Canada Inc., said the project highlights "our deep focus on partnering with our customers and helping them keep their customers’ assets and property safe and secure."

Hikvision USA Inc., a global provider of artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics and other emerging technologies, along with video surveillance products and solutions, worked with Hikvision integrator TAS Electronics in New York to furnish a full-scale surveillance system for 'The Armadillo', a repurposed armored truck the Utica Police Department (UPD) uses to deter crime in the community. “When the decision was made to upgrade the Armadillo, the immediate concern was the camera system, because it is the lifeblood of any high quality digital video recording network. Knowing this, we demanded the best equipment available,” said Edward Noonan, deputy chief of police for the UPD. “Hikvision and TAS Electronics provided us with high resolution cameras that have the ability to see in the dark, and we can control these cameras remotely through an app on our smartphones with remarkably high resolution.”The Armadillo is a great example of our integrators collaborating with a local police department to deliver improved safety and security to their community" Improved Community Security Six Hikvision turret cameras and two Hikvision PTZ dome cameras were installed on the vehicle for comprehensive panoramic surveillance. To provide 65 days of video storage and recovery, TAS installed a 32-channel Hikvision Pro-Series DS-9616NI-I8 NVR with 12 TB of storage. Hikvision’s technology, combined with TAS’ expertise, resulted in a resource that improves crime monitoring and deterrence, making the streets safer for the citizens of Utica. “The Armadillo is a great example of our integrators collaborating with a local police department to deliver improved safety and security to their community,” said Alex Asnovich, Head of Marketing, Hikvision North America.

To grasp the current manufacturing trends and seize the Zeitgeist of Industry 4.0, a new smart IoT industrial park in Hangzhou has been put to use by Dahua Technology, a video surveillance solution provider. Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park occupies in total 512 acres in Fuyang district of Hangzhou, about 20 minutes’ drive from Dahua headquarters, designed to host 6000 staff (by 2017, 4500 people have been working/living in the 262 acres of phase one area). With topnotch technologies, personnel, materials and other benefits, Dahua’s smart industrial park will bring productivity and quality to a brand new level. Efficient Information Integration The automatic production solution based on integrated information system not only grants a higher productivity that significantly shortens the delivery cycle time for Dahua customers, but also a greater flexibility to specialized requests and ever-changing reality.The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration, which, combined with industrial cameras, RFID sensory technologies and automation technologies, can integrate personnel, logistics, works, engineering projects and finance from respective sections of production(preparation, assembly, testing, packaging, inspection, shipment), rendering the whole process visible, traceable and digital. The mounter serves as a good synecdoche to illustrate the incredible efficiency of the whole production system. The concerning high-end devices (including mounter, printer, automated optical inspection equipment, Ersa reflow soldering tools, etc.) provided by ASM (originally Siemens) achieve a speed among the fastest in the world. Fast Processing According to IPC standard, X4iS, the latest high-speed mounter can process 125,000 components per hour, or 35 per second. X35multifunctional mounter can do 54000 components per hour, or 15 per second. A production line in X series can enhance the productivity by 2.7 times while reducing the consumption of energy by 52%, comparing to the original production line in D series under the same conditions. Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy The faster speed also applies to the development of new molding, since Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy, allowing the end-to-end vertical supply chain with marketing, R&D and manufacturing efficiently integrated. The advanced organizing system is supported by topnotch equipment, such as MAKINO high-speed graphite processing machine, GF CNC, GF WEDM-LS machine, Hexagon 3D Nikon projectors and electronic displays. With a processing accuracy of +/-0.002 to +/-0.005MM, while also supporting CAD / CAM / CAE collaborative development and simultaneous manufacturing, these machines enable Dahua to develop new mechanical molding in as short as 7 days.Higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical situations Time- And Cost-Saving Solution By far, this developing system has already produced high precision molding for Lechange Robots, monitoring cameras in TP1-TC6 series, G20 intelligent head-gears, smoke alarm for fire detectors, etc., all of which proving the effectiveness of the system in shortening the development cycle and keeping the competitive edge with new products in the business. Higher quality saves lots of time and economic costs for clients. Even more importantly, higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical, not-allowed-to-go-wrong situations. Dahua’s products are guaranteed with a higher quality for two reasons: first, Dahua has set a high standard of accuracy in production; second, with a reliability lab at the production end, Dahua has put together an effectively closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process. Accuracy has always been one vital index defining the manufacturing ability because it directly sets the limit to quality and range of products to be produced. Again, take the mounter mentioned above for example: it can process components, in metric size, as small as 03015(0.3x0.15mm), with a +-0.025mm SMD precision (within the 3-stigma range), boasting world leading performance and capable of covering basically all types of components used in the industry.Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process Enhanced Vision And Intelligent Analytics Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process, in which all materials, personnel and devices are connected and products are traceable to the specific production line and precise time it got made. Boasting a variety of functions, Dahua industrial cameras are used in different sections of production, enabling automatic assembly, high-precision graphic inspection and product flaw inspection. Through high-definition machine vision, Dahua industrial cameras automatically and precisely locate the components, limiting the assembly error to micron level. Equipped with enhanced vision and intelligent analytics algorithm, the industrial camera can spontaneously detect and recognize flaws in the performance and outlook of products, thus promising not only the volume of cameras production but also the steady quality of each and every one of them.In the future phase, this industrial park is expected to be more intelligent to enable a safer society and smarter living Safe Society And Smart Living Reliability must be put to test, in R&D as well as in manufacturing process. The reliability lab at the production end serves to assure quality by randomly taking products from production lines and put them into reliability tests simulating falling, high/low temperature, worn-out conditions, which are conducted by industry leading testing equipment in the lab. Thus what’s conceived in R&D is confirmed from the production line, the synergy of both ends promising better products (for common use or specialized needs). This lab is also responsible for testing all the raw materials. Thanks to the aforementioned information integration, all tests are automatically conducted, recorded and traceable. In conclusion, Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park is endowed with the latest and world leading manufacturing equipment/system boasting high level automation and intelligence, which is essential to satisfy the ever higher demands from clients in terms of delivery time, specialized use and quality. There is still great potential to this new smart industrial park. It is literally only in its phase one. And in the future phase, it is expected to be more intelligent, to realize client-centered flexible production and to enable a safer society and smarter living.

The reviews are in, and ISC West was another hit. Brisk attendance and a comprehensive lineup of the industry’s top companies and products contributed to another successful show for Reed Exhibitions. Our Expert Panel Roundtable, who have attended many such events, added their own reflections to the industry’s post-ISC glow. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How successful was ISC West 2018 for security industry exhibitors and visitors?

A big trade show, such as the upcoming ISC West, has a lot to offer for attendees. If anything, a big show has “too much” to offer; there is certainly more to experience than any one person could get around to. How, then, can attendees maximize the value they get out of ISC West? For advice, we go to our Expert Panel Roundtable, all seasoned veterans of many big trade shows. Specifically, we asked this week’s panel: How can attendees get the most out of a big trade show like ISC West?

In tidying up after a year of Expert Panel Roundtable questions and answers, we came across some previously unpublished responses from our panel. These interesting responses address some of the hottest topics in the industry, from robots and deep learning to the “race to the bottom.” Taken together, the varied comments offer their own range of insights into the evolving physical security market. This week, we highlight some of these assorted Expert Panellist comments submitted over the last several months.