Members of Faith Group’s security group attended the 2022 GSX Conference in September. Hosted by ASIS International, the conference attracted thousands of security professionals from around the world and included security education sessions, networking opportunities, and an exhibition floor showcasing security technology products, services, and solutions. Following is a recap of the best solutions, advancements, and/or use cases from the Expo as seen by our Security Experts.
Autonomous Drones and Artificial Intelligence (AI)
A major theme of the conference was Autonomous Drones and AI. Several exhibition floor vendors demoed multiple forms of autonomous drones—humanoids, dogs, ATVs, traditional copter-style drones, and more. Most were augmented with varying degrees of AI as well as VR control.
The AI being deployed in both drones and cameras has continued to improve in complexity and accuracy, and conversely, the footprint of required resources to support the AI has decreased. Many camera systems have pushed AI to the edge, allowing end users to leverage these features without large capital expenditures on infrastructure and compute resources.
Of the hundreds of vendors on the floor, the vast majority of them were displaying evolutionary and incremental changes to existing products. For example, ASYLON Robotics and Prosegur Security Services both displayed two versions of the Boston Dynamics Security Robot Dog configured with various AI-based sensors and 5G technology to support security patrols, reporting back to the Security Operations Center (SOC). The dogs can detect and report suspicious activities and elements and can track and monitor objects. In addition to standard optical and thermal cameras and various sensors, the two robots were configured with microphones and speakers so that the remote operators could listen and speak from the device. They also displayed a “doghouse” where the robots can recharge their batteries. Team 1st Technologies offers a similar robot with real-time obstacle avoidance and facial recognition. Both ASYLON and Team 1st are offering their products as “Robotics as a Service” models.
Access Control
Alcatraz AI and Lenel have released new access control devices allowing for the use of facial recognition as a biometric identity for use with access control systems (ACS). While Lenel’s offering is centered around the Lenel OnGuard system, Alcatraz AI offers connectivity to any ACS via either Wiegand or OSDP2 connection and does not require integration, making it a very attractive solution. Additionally, the Alcatraz AI platform allows for 3rd party use of the on-board video stream and additional features such as tailgating detection.
AMAG has unlocked the source code on their panels allowing for 3rd party integration and development on their hardware. They have also reworked their user interface making it look and feel much more modern as well as implemented a process automation and rules engine package into their platform.
Both Altronix and Life Safety Power companies have developed pre-configured rack mountable drawers to support Mercury or IStar panels and associated smart power supplied. Using these installations, would enable terminal block with umbilical cables to route from existing physical ACS field panels to a rack full of new controller, reader, and I/O boards and power supplies, making for a seamless and efficient transition process.
Security Operations Center (SOC) Technology
Hakimo AI was also at GSX showing their updated advanced analytics software. Hakimo provides the SOC with tools that take data from multiple disparate systems such, as security cameras and ACS, and applies computer vision and data analytics techniques to quickly identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, essentially making their system a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system for physical security. This is another product that can be an easy retrofit because it can integrate with existing systems without having to install any new hardware.
They also showed off their updated advanced false alarm filter, which automatically reviews and categorizes all incoming alarms, automatically resolving false alarms and providing the Alarm Station Operator with a “true alarm” probability so that operators focus on actual events. The system can also detect and report on camera tampering and anomalous card holder behavior to help spot potential insider threats. Finally, Hakimo AI made updates to their tailgating detection functionality, which analyzes video images against corresponding access control badge events to send real-time alerts to the Alarm Station Operator and automated emails to badge holders.
Gunshot Detection
Several new vendors were showcased, each with their own benefits for specific use cases. Certain vendors advertised their ability to accurately detect distance and direction of gunshots in large open areas, which typically present acoustical challenges. Additionally, other vendors advertised their ability to daisy chain sensors, limiting cabling requirements and driving down installation costs. Finally, vendors are rapidly providing API integrations with major ACS and video management system platforms, allowing for utilization of existing investments in security monitoring and tying into the common operating picture (COP).