Intersec Dubai 2018: AI and intelligent analytics for smart cities

Security solutions today do more than merely observe and prevent criminal activity. Systems are increasingly tasked with making sense of the world around us. At Intersec 2018, which took place 21st - 23rd January in Dubai, manufacturers set out to show how predictive analytics and artificial intelligence are already being used in real world applications: predicting criminal behaviour, managing traffic, and streamlining smart city operations.

Dubai smart city initiatives

Dubai is a particularly appropriate location to showcase how artificial intelligence and smart city projects have become intrinsically linked. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, authorities in Dubai have set out to “make Dubai the happiest city on Earth” by adopting cutting-edge smart city initiatives.

Dubai Police, a longstanding partner of Intersec, has launched a range of public safety initiatives including Smart Police IOS apps, traffic accident and location systems, and SOS apps for wearable devices. At the show, Dubai Police showcased how artificial intelligence can power new Robocop prototypes – unarmed, life-sized patrolling robots carrying facial recognition software and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology for evidence collection.Dubai Police, a longstanding partner of Intersec, has launched a range of public safety initiatives including Smart Police IOS apps

Hikvision AI+ forum

At the busy Hikvision stand, visitors were presented with the company’s latest AI-powered products, including DeepinView Series IP cameras and DeepinMind Series NVRs. Hikvision demonstrated its commitment to artificial intelligence with the global launch of its AI+ strategy, giving partners an exclusive insight into the company’s latest solutions. The event proved popular, with over 250 guests showing an interest in the latest surveillance applications for deep learning technology.

Key figures in attendance were Hikvision President Mr. Yangzhong Hu, and Hikvision General Manager of MENA Mr. Binson Xu, who outlined how the company is leveraging AI and cloud technology to move beyond traditional surveillance systems and make sense of video data.

Hikvision compounded its commitment to artificial intelligence with the global launch of its AI+ strategy

Artificial Intelligence at the edge

The key question, according to Hikvision, is whether cloud-based AI is the ultimate solution, and how we can solve the intrinsic problems of cloud-based analytics. For Hikvision, the answer is a multi-layered solution bringing AI-powered analytics from the cloud to the edge device.

In the AI-Cloud framework, data is collected and analysed at the edge using deep learning technology, before target information is transmitted to the network and ultimately deployed to the cloud. According to Hikvision, the system classifies and recognises features more accurately than traditional analytics, making it perfect for facial recognition, people counting and traffic management. This is because raw data is analysed before compression occurs, preventing data loss and providing more essential detail. The framework ultimately reduces the burden placed on the data centre, as only relevant target information is transmitted via the network.The framework ultimately reduces the burden placed on the data centre, as only relevant target information is transmitted

The Chinese manufacturer was keen to stress that Hikvision’s AI technology is already proving effective in real-world applications, citing use cases in law enforcement, traffic management and smart cities. The AI+ cloud solution takes this technology to the next stage.

Video data for smarter cities

Hikvision was not the only video manufacturer to focus on intelligent city surveillance. For Stuart Rawling, Pelco’s Director of Global Business Development, the big question for smart cities is how we can capture as much data as possible – from weather information to traffic data – to provide wholistic surveillance that allows for truly actionable insights.

Pelco’s stand demonstrated how this vision is fast becoming a reality. The IP video manufacturer showcased its latest Optera™ Panoramic multi-sensor camera offering, targeting large outdoor areas such as parks and traffic intersections. According to Rawling, the solution is already improving response times for police departments in cities like Fresno, California, where 24/7 real-time monitoring and event management have contributed to increased public and officer safety.

Genetec Security Center integrates video surveillance footage, ANPR data, record management systems and gunshot detection

Automated intelligence for law enforcement

Pelco partners Genetec placed a similar emphasis on actionable video intelligence. Genetec's intelligent automation means moving beyond image capture to make sense of video data and provide critical insights to security professionals.Genetec’s Citigraf technology has already been deployed by Chicago Police Department to predict potential criminal activity

Key technologies on display included the latest version of Genetec Security Center. The solution integrates video surveillance footage, ANPR data, record management systems and gunshot detection to provide actionable insights to law enforcement professionals.

Genetec’s Citigraf technology, built on the Security Center interface, has already been deployed by Chicago Police Department to predict potential criminal activity, improving response times and reducing gun crime in the city.

Intersec 2018 was an opportunity for manufacturers and authorities to demonstrate that intelligent analytics and AI can no longer be considered concepts for the distant future: In the Middle East and globally, public safety is getting smarter.