ACOEM - Experts & Thought Leaders

At GSX booth #3307, Acoem, a pioneer in advanced physical security solutions, will showcase important updates to its ATD gunshot detection technology, and a new on-premises option for its Cadence software, reinforcing its position as a pioneer in edge-based acoustic AI gunshot detection. Unlike legacy systems that depend on multiple sensors or remote servers, the Acoem ATD System conducts detection and classification directly on the edge. First responders and security teams PTZ cameras can directly slew to the source of gunfire, giving first responders and security teams With ATD technology, PTZ cameras can immediately slew to the source of gunfire, giving first responders and security teams real-time situational awareness and captured evidence.  More cost-effective than infrastructure-heavy multi-sensor systems, the ATD system delivers high accuracy with a single device, simplifying deployment and management across campuses, utilities, and city environments. Latest version of the AI model The Acoem ATD-300 Sensor, already recognised for its single-sensor detection accuracy and deployment flexibility, is receiving its most advanced neural net update yet. The latest version of the AI model is built on a library of hundreds of thousands of qualified sounds collected over three decades, with up to 15,000 new sounds added monthly from live deployments.  Acoem’s engineering team A multi-modal approach is designed to drive false positives toward zero while preserving odd accuracy Acoem’s engineering team, together with end-users through Cadence, continually validates and classifies noise events to refine detection. This evolving, multi-modal approach is designed to drive false positives toward zero while preserving unmatched accuracy in complex environments.  In addition to these regular updates, the ATD AI engine can be custom-tuned for each deployment, learning and rejecting nuisance sounds unique to each individual environment. Interpreted as a gunshot “A recent example involved a gunshot sensor installed near a baseball field." "The Acoem team was able to register the crack of the bat against the baseball with the neural net to ensure a home run is never interpreted as a gunshot, even though the sounds share very similar characteristics," said Timothy English, Managing Director for Acoem ATD technology. On-premises Cadence Software for ATD Until now, the Cadence software has been operated only as a cloud-based platform Acoem will also preview an on-premises version of its Cadence software. Until now, the Cadence software has been operated only as a cloud-based platform.  For mission-critical environments such as utilities, government, and remote facilities, where outside internet connections are restricted for cybersecurity reasons, the new option will allow the software to run entirely inside an organization’s own network. ATD-300 sensor setup and alarm notifications The Cadence software provides security teams with a single platform to easily manage ATD deployments. It streamlines ATD-300 sensor setup and alarm notifications and verifies alerts with live audio clips for optional human validation through integrated VMS systems.  Cadence software provides security teams with a single platform to easily manage ATD deployments It also handles all management and updates while monitoring sensor health. Unlike other platforms that centralise control, Cadence gives organisations direct autonomy to monitor sensors, validate alerts, and manage deployments in real time. Users can customise views around high-risk “hot spots,” and even contribute site-specific sound validations that strengthen the AI model over time. Barriers for critical infrastructure “Security pioneers are demanding both greater accuracy and greater deployment flexibility,” says English. “With the new AI model, we’re raising the bar yet again on false positive rejection, and with on-premises Cadence software, we’re removing barriers for critical infrastructure sites that require closed-loop operations.” GSX attendees are invited to experience live demonstrations of the ATD system and Cadence software at booth #3307.

Acoem, a pioneer in advanced acoustic threat detection solutions, announced the appointment of Edwin (Ed) Brennen as Business Development Manager for its ATD (Acoustic Threat Detection) team. With more than 35 years of experience across public sector technology and electronic security, Brennen will lead Acoem’s channel partner development efforts in North America. Acoem’s ATD solution Brennen joins Acoem with many years of experience selling and keeping security technology solutions In his new role, Brennen will focus on building and supporting a strong ecosystem of integrators, distributors, and service providers to expand access to Acoem’s ATD solution, an advanced gunshot detection system that combines decades of military-grade acoustic research with real-time camera integration and scalable deployment options. Brennen joins Acoem with many years of experience selling and supporting security technology solutions to state, local, and education (SLED) agencies. He has worked closely with courts, jails, and law enforcement agencies across multiple states, providing consultative guidance and long-term support. Leadership roles in sales and channel operations In addition, he brings deep expertise in the electronic security industry, having held senior roles at ADT and Honeywell. His hands-on experience spans the entire integration lifecycle, from alarm installation and service to regional leadership roles in sales and channel operations. Gunshot detection presents a strong value proposition for systems integrators, opening new revenue opportunities while enabling them to deliver a more holistic approach to physical security. Acoustic threat detection Integrators can better meet the needs of customers seeking layered, real-time threat detection By adding acoustic threat detection to their technology stack, integrators can better meet the needs of customers seeking layered, real-time threat detection. It also allows them to differentiate their offerings in competitive markets and support clients in high-risk environments such as schools, utilities, corporate campuses, and public venues. Modern security strategies “Ed brings a rare combination of technical know-how and real-world sales leadership that will be instrumental as we expand our partner network,” said Timothy English, Managing Director of Security Solutions at Acoem. “Gunshot detection is becoming an essential layer in modern security strategies. Ed’s ability to engage with integrators and help them see the opportunity in this space will be a key driver of our growth in North America.” Acoem’s participation at the GSX 2025 “I’m excited to join a company with such a unique and proven approach to gunshot detection,” said Brennen. “Acoem’s ATD-300 stands apart with its ability to slew PTZ cameras to the source of a gunshot in real time, all from a single sensor. This delivers actionable intelligence, and provides flexible deployment options, including portable and covert installations." "My goal is to help the right partners recognise the value of this technology and introduce it into markets where it can truly make a difference.” The appointment comes ahead of Acoem’s participation at the GSX 2025 trade show, where Brennen will meet with new and prospective partners.

At ISC-West, booth #7041, Acoem, a pioneer in advanced physical security solutions, will unveil its next-generation gunshot detection system. Acoem ATD (Acoustic Threat Detection) technology is designed for security professionals, law enforcement agencies, and critical infrastructure operators who require a data-driven gunshot detection solution that delivers unparalleled speed, accuracy, and scalability—without the need for multiple sensors. Acoem’s Cadence™ software The system’s edge-processed AI analytics always learn from the environment By processing events on the edge (within the sensor), a single ATD-300 sensor, combined with Acoem’s Cadence™ software, provides instantaneous camera slewing toward detected threats, enhancing situational awareness for security teams. The system’s edge-processed AI analytics continuously learn from the environment, reducing false positives and ensuring precise threat localisation. AI-driven neural network Unlike other gunshot detection systems that rely on multiple sensors or cloud-based processing, Acoem ATD conducts real-time threat detection and classification directly on the edge, enabling faster and more reliable alerts. “Gunshot detection systems are not all the same. With our 30-year history of innovation and battle-proven defense applications, we have continually evolved our acoustic threat detection capabilities,” said Timothy English, Managing Director at Acoem ATD. “The AI-driven neural network is trained with threat data collected over decades and allows us to continually refine sensor responses for each unique environment, enabling the system to keep improving over time.” Setting a new standard in gunshot detection The ATD-300 sensor outperforms existing keys that require large-scale infrastructure Unlike competitors that depend on multi-sensor triangulation and backend processing, Acoem ATD technology detects both the muzzle blast and the ballistic sound wave of a bullet in motion, allowing detection and location from a single sensor to ensure instant alerts and faster response times. The ATD-300 sensor outperforms existing solutions that require large-scale infrastructure, offering a more efficient, cost-effective solution for protecting high-risk environments such as stadiums, smart cities, campuses, and critical infrastructure sites. Advanced threat detection systems "Since 1995, our threat surveillance and detection solutions have been deployed to the world’s most challenging and demanding combat environments, earning the trust of operators for their accuracy and reliability." "This battle-proven technology became the foundation for our advanced threat detection systems designed for civilian applications. Today, we empower law enforcement agencies and security professionals with cutting-edge tools to enhance public safety, providing a new level of situational awareness in responding to incidents of gun violence," adds English. Acoem ATD key differentiators Single-Sensor Deployment: Many gunshot detection systems require multiple sensors for triangulation. The ATD-300 provides accurate threat detection with a single device, allowing for greater deployment flexibility. Immediate Camera Slewing: Security teams gain real-time visual confirmation as PTZ cameras are instantly directed toward the source of gunfire. Scalability & Flexibility: The system supports small-scale deployments and can be expanded as needed. Sensors can be strategically installed on trailers or inside the perimeters of monitored areas. Seamless Integration: Acoem’s ADT technology integrates effortlessly with pioneering video management systems (VMS) and existing security infrastructure, minimising deployment costs and complexity. ISC West attendees are invited to visit booth #7041 to view a demonstration of Acoustic Threat Detection in action.

Gun violence remains one of the most unpredictable threats in today’s physical security landscape. When it strikes, seconds matter. The ability to detect and respond to gunfire almost instantaneously can determine outcomes. Security pioneers and first responders know this, and yet too many gunshot detection systems in operation today are shackled by outdated assumptions and aging architecture. The demand now is not for incremental improvements, but for a complete rethinking of how these systems function. Prevailing model For years, the prevailing model has relied on server-heavy frameworks and complex sensor networks that introduce unnecessary latency and complexity. Systems that depend on sending audio data to remote servers for analysis are inherently slower. In a live gunfire situation, waiting even a few seconds for confirmation can be the difference between life and death. The expectation in 2025 is clear: detection and actionable intelligence must occur in real time, with no delays. Edge-based intelligence: The new standard Deploying three or more sensors to cover an area imposes significant cost and operational burdens To minimise points of failure and latency, the future of gunshot detection lies in edge processing. Intelligence must reside inside the sensor itself, not in a data centre or a remote server. Edge-based acoustic sensors can now detect and geolocate gunshots in under three seconds without external dependencies. They do not require triangulation or corroboration from multiple devices. One sensor, one shot, one instant location—that is the new standard. Consider the limitations of traditional perimeter-based systems. Deploying three or more sensors to cover an area imposes significant cost and operational burdens. Maintaining this infrastructure often means trade-offs in coverage and flexibility. For example, if a detection system can only triangulate within a ring of sensors, there will be no information available for shots fired outside this restricted perimeter, even from a short distance away. Worse, these older models are prone to false positives triggered by fireworks, construction noise, or other environmental sounds. Each false alert erodes confidence in the system and burdens response teams unnecessarily. Contrast this with modern edge-AI sensors that not only detect the muzzle blast of a firearm but also analyse the ballistic wave of a hypersonic projectile in motion. This dual-signature capability delivers a level of accuracy far beyond what older systems can offer. When a shot is fired, the sensor detects, classifies, and pinpoints the event almost instantly. There is no reliance on back-end processing or corroborative triangulation. The sensor acts autonomously and decisively. Real-time response with visual confirmation The level of integration changes gunshot detection from a passive alerting tool into an active part These advancements do not stop at detection. Integration with existing security infrastructure is crucial. Modern sensors leverage open standards such as ONVIF Profile S to control pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras directly. As soon as a gunshot is detected, the sensor can automatically cue a camera to the exact coordinates of the event.  This process happens in less than three seconds, giving operators live visual intelligence of the situation as it unfolds. The days of security personnel scouring multiple camera feeds or responding to vague reports are over. Today, they can focus their attention on the precise location of the threat. This level of integration transforms gunshot detection from a passive alerting tool into an active part of situational awareness. It provides command centres and first responders with actionable intelligence, enabling them to make informed decisions in real time. It is not enough to know that a shot was fired; security teams need to see where it happened and assess the scene immediately. Adapting to the environment Environmental adaptability is another area where modern edge-based systems excel. Acoustic detection has long struggled with ambient noise. Urban environments are filled with loud, impulsive sounds that can easily be mistaken for gunfire. However, edge-AI sensors can now be trained to understand the acoustic profile of their specific environment. They learn what constitutes normal background noise and adjust accordingly. If a venue frequently hosts fireworks displays or is situated near construction zones, edge-processed AI systems can be trained to differentiate those sounds from genuine threats. This site-specific learning dramatically reduces false positives and enhances overall system reliability. Flexibility in deployment A single intelligent sensor can now provide broad coverage with minimal setup Flexibility in deployment is equally important. Today’s security needs are not confined to permanent installations. Large public events, temporary venues, and rapidly evolving threat environments require portable solutions. Edge-based sensors can be deployed on mobile platforms such as trailers or temporary masts, providing high-precision detection wherever it is needed. Because all processing occurs at the edge, these mobile systems do not rely on centralised servers to function effectively. The sensor is the system. This shift represents a fundamental change in how security professionals approach gunshot detection. The industry is moving away from reactive, infrastructure-heavy models toward proactive, efficient, and adaptable solutions. A single intelligent sensor can now provide broad coverage with minimal setup. It detects, locates, and visually confirms threats autonomously. Interoperability further enhances the value of modern systems. By embracing open protocols, these sensors integrate seamlessly with existing video management systems (VMS) and security platforms. Organisations are no longer locked into proprietary ecosystems. They can deploy best-in-class solutions that work together harmoniously. This openness accelerates deployment and reduces friction, a critical advantage when securing dynamic environments on tight timelines. Privacy by design Alert signals contain location, timing, and sound type data only with no continuous listening Privacy concerns are front and centre in any surveillance deployment and the thought of an audio listening device can raise eyebrows. Modern gunshot sensors are event-driven and only share short recordings (such as a 1.5-second clip for verification) triggered by gunshot levels (over 100 dB). Conversations and other ambient audio are neither captured nor stored. Alert signals contain location, timing, and sound classification information only with no continuous listening or streaming. Closing the gap between detection and response Ultimately, doing gunshot detection right demands a new mindset. Edge processing is not a technical novelty; it is an operational necessity. Security pioneers must expect and demand more from their detection systems—faster alerts, smarter filtering, real-time visual confirmation, seamless integration, and scalable deployment. The technology to achieve this exists today. High-accuracy, real-time gunshot detection is not a future promise; it is a present reality. The responsibility now lies with the industry to embrace this better way forward. Communities and the professionals who protect them deserve solutions that rise to meet today’s challenges with intelligence, speed, and precision.