Verkada, known for its expertise in AI-driven physical security and operations, has unveiled the data from its 2026 State of Cloud Physical Security report. This report, drawn from a survey involving over 2,700 IT and physical security experts across ten global markets, highlights a significant disparity between organisations using on-premise security systems and those equipped with cloud-based solutions.
Those using cloud-based physical security systems are adopting artificial intelligence at a rate 2.6 times higher than their on-premise counterparts. Currently, 39% of organisations are testing AI features, and as AI adoption rises, the differences are expected to widen between organisations that upgrade their infrastructure and those that do not.
Improving broader safety
The shift towards cloud management is gaining traction, with 94% of organisations not yet fully cloud-managed either planning or already engaged in such transitions. This movement underscores the recognised importance of modernising security infrastructure.
Other vital insights from the report include the extensive integration of AI within physical security systems, albeit through a phased implementation. A substantial 80% of leaders are utilising AI in physical security, while 39% are in the pilot phase and 41% actively deploying these technologies.
Video security investments are proving valuable beyond traditional security roles, offering broader operational benefits. Many organisations utilise or plan to utilise video security not only to enhance safety but also to comply with workplace health and safety regulations, improve operational efficiency, and optimise space utilisation.
