The Intersec trade show that takes place in Dubai every year is arguably the largest security event in the region. Solution providers from across the globe flock to the sunny desert city every year to showcase their latest products and solutions. Due to its location, many exhibitors see Intersec as a gateway to other regional markets in Asia.
This year’s show also saw several manufacturers introducing new products. A key trend visible across most of the new product launches was the importance given to software, especially analytic solutions that leveraged the power of
artificial intelligence. It would be fair to say this is the direction the industry is moving in, with more and more innovations happening on software rather than hardware.
Here we take a look at some of the major products launched in the video surveillance category at Intersec 2020 and how they are significant to the customer.
Dahua’s deep learning offering
The Chinese security solutions provider Dahua Technology unveiled several products this year at Intersec. Key among them was a series of AI products that leveraged the power of deep learning technology. The company claims its solution provides accurate prediction before an event, instant deterrence during an event, quick target search after an event, storage-saving while ensuring target details, and privacy protection and defense against attacks.
One of the key factors to note is that, in a press release, the company said that the solution is not pricey and is easy to install, making it an ideal product for most “ordinary” users. This could mean that the company is trying to push analytics to not just high-end customers but also other lower segments.
IDIS bets on the edge
The South Korea-based IDIS launched a line up of bullet and dome cameras with onboard analytics. A key feature that the company highlighted was its ability to allow search for specific objects in video feed using metadata.
More interestingly, IDIS had also showcased its latest iteration of IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) technology that is available as a modular IDIS Solution Suite VMS service or via the cost-effective AI in the Box appliance for smaller applications.
Pelco’s 4K solution
Pelco, which has seen its management change recently, introduced a 4K PTZ camera that can capture up to 30 images per second. The company claims it to offer a dynamic range, advanced low-light performance, anti-bloom technology and comes with significantly reduced storage requirements due to advanced compression capabilities.
In a statement, Pelco said that "the past year has brought major changes for Pelco," likely referring to how the change in management is making a difference to the company. Such a change in approach is significant as it could mean that customers can expect new efforts from the company to boost its market share.
Hikvision focuses on multi-intelligence
Among the many products showcased by Hikvision Digital Technology at Intersec, a technology that supports multiple algorithms in a camera could be considered the most significant. These multi-intelligence cameras can run several deep-learning algorithms in parallel for a host of complex scenarios, according to the company.
Hikvision had also presented AI solutions tailored for specific verticals like retail and public transport, giving importance to business intelligence along with security. Again, this shows how surveillance solutions providers are giving more and more importance to intelligent algorithms.
What this means to the market
Of course, this is not to say that companies did not showcase new hardware solutions. Developments in the hardware segment continue to remain steady, but more innovation is seen on the
software, analytics side.
Until recently, advanced analytics solutions were mostly limited to high-end customers, but as companies release more competitively priced products, they could become popular among customers of different segments. Also, this will increase the use of security products for purposes other than security, like business intelligence.