AI + IoT = AIoT: What's in it for next-generation video surveillance?

AIoT is the next big technology trend, combining two major trends, AI and IoT, so that the result is much more than the sum of its parts. To understand this powerful mix, we should first recall what we mean by AI and IoT - related to video surveillance.

Artificial Intelligence is about enabling video cameras and systems to perform tasks they were previously unable to do. This is achieved through smart algorithms that enable complex analytics and the ability to learn using Machine Learning (ML) - both yields AI Video Analytics on the edge.

Internet of Things is about networking devices so that communication and the exchange of large amounts of data in real-time is possible. By networking video cameras and other systems, complex processes can be automated in retail, manufacturing and smart cities, and other areas.

Artificial Internet of Things in video surveillance combines the best of both worlds, AI video analytics and the Internet of Things, to turn CCTV cameras into smart business all-rounders that are no longer limited to delivering raw video footage in security applications. 

At Azena, we aim to make the use of IoT and AI for video cameras easier and more flexible than ever before. For this, we have created an open Platform with Camera OS and Application Store.

Examples of AIoT turning simple video surveillance into smart computer vision

The following applications are implemented with Azena, running AI video analytics apps via edge computing in the cameras and controlling other systems.

1. Retail: automate and custom in-store communication to trigger purchases

The days of generic advertising in stores are over. If retailers want to keep up with the latest online trends, metaverse, and Web 3.0, they need to create shopping experiences that are tailored to their customers. Smart video technology makes this possible without having to add staff.

Connecting smart video cameras with in-store displays creates a completely new type of communication system. Cameras equipped with AI video analytics, for example, detect which colors a customer prefers and trigger a nearby display to show an ad for a matching product.

2. Public transportation: measure and optimize occupancy in real-time

During the pandemic, hygiene regulations must be observed, e.g. in a bus by occupying each double seat with only one person. But even beyond the pandemic, occupancy management is essential to providing passengers with an excellent experience.

Smart video cameras that detect which seats are occupied and which are available can keep drivers informed about occupancy on the bus at all times. Connected to a passenger routing system the cameras could lead elderly people to free seats via red and green light signals.

Note: As you can see in the screenshot above, personal data protection under GDPR can be guaranteed through face masking through AI Video Analytics running on the cameras.

3. Commercial buildings: making parking management more efficient

The larger and more complex commercial buildings are, the more difficult it is for security managers to reliably monitor access. While access management via facial recognition can be challenging under GDPR, cars can be easily identified by license plate recognition.

Smart CCTV cameras equipped with AI video analytics can not only recognize license plates and vehicle types but also clarify access authorization in one single operation. Connected to barriers and traffic light systems, the cameras can automatically control entry and exit.

Smart access management powered by Azena in collaboration with Peter Park. Learn more.

For more applications and info download our commercial buildings whitepaper now.

4. Manufacturing: comply with safety and health standards

Health protection is key in manufacturing and is therefore taken very seriously by safety managers. Weaknesses in safety concepts often result from human behavior, carelessness, or just plain laziness. This is where smart technology can help enforce regulations.

Just as smart video cameras can detect whether the staff is wearing masks to protect against COVID, they can also detect whether manufacturing workers are wearing protective gear such as helmets and vests. Connected to alarm systems, they can automatically initiate appropriate actions.

How to unleash the power of AIoT for video surveillance using Azena

Azena focuses on empowering individual surveillance cameras or complete systems to perform even complex tasks combining edge computing and AI video analytics. Well-known manufacturers supply the cameras that run the Azena OS and can be equipped with AI video analytics from Azena's Application Store. Getting started in video surveillance AIoT is easier than ever with Azena.

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