Exclusive interview: i-PRO COO Gerard Figols talks AI, ethics, and the future of security integration

At ISC West 2025, i-Pro introduced a range of new AI-powered cameras at the annual trade show, including a ruggedized 4K Aero PTZ camera designed for extreme weather, a long-range bullet camera with built-in license plate recognition (LPR), and expanded its edge AI capabilities to the value-tier U-series product line.

The unveiling coincided with an executive leadership announcement: Gerard Figols, formerly President of i-PRO EMEA, was named the company's new Chief Operating Officer.

“We are focused on responsible innovation,” Figols said in an interview at the show. “That means pushing the boundaries of AI and cloud integration, but also making sure it's governed ethically, with the highest cybersecurity standards.”

 

Extreme conditions, expanded intelligence

Leading the product showcase was the new Aero PTZ camera—a 4K-resolution unit engineered to withstand Category 5 hurricane conditions while delivering long-distance coverage up to 560 meters with infrared support. According to Figols, this model renews a legacy lineup with next-gen AI features and enhanced durability.

Also drawing attention was the introduction of AI analytics into i-PRO's U-series—an entry-level offering that marks the first time that AI is offered across all i-PRO camera lines. The move makes AI processing accessible across a broader customer base and includes 15 new models ranging from 2MP to 4K resolutions.

“Our goal is to bring AI across all market segments,” said Figols. “We're not just adding AI as a premium feature; we're embedding it across the full range.”

This expansion brings the number of AI-capable models in i-PRO's lineup to 231, making it one of the largest in the industry, according to the company.

High-zoom LPR and edge processing for legacy systems

In a market increasingly focused on smart traffic solutions, i-PRO also introduced a new high-zoom bullet camera equipped with edge-based license plate recognition, developed in partnership with Vaxtor. This out-of-the-box LPR solution supports automated plate capture without the need for operator intervention.

“This camera can track a vehicle entering a scene, zoom in to capture the license plate, then zoom back out—all automatically,” said Figols. “It also comes pre-loaded on the camera, the installer can try it first for 30 days, and if they are happy buy the license, no further work is needed.”

Further bridging the gap between legacy installations and AI intelligence, i-PRO now enables its X-series AI edge cameras to serve as processing hubs for up to three non-AI cameras. This feature brings AI capabilities to older systems without full-scale hardware replacement—a nod to budget-conscious enterprise and municipal clients.

“We understand most users won't rip out their existing infrastructure,” Figols explained. “This solution gives them a way to extend AI benefits cost-effectively.”

Cloud strategy without proprietary lock-in

While many industry players are racing to build their own cloud ecosystems, i-PRO has chosen a more agnostic path, prioritizing partnerships over walled gardens. The company is working with cloud providers to enable direct-to-cloud integration from its AI edge cameras, minimizing storage costs and enhancing scalability.

“All of our edge AI applications can process data locally and send only the relevant insights to the cloud,” said Figols. “This reduces bandwidth and infrastructure demands.”

This approach aligns with a broader market trend toward hybrid deployments and selective cloud migration, especially among government and mission-critical clients.

Ethics and cybersecurity as strategic differentiators

Perhaps most notable was i-PRO's formal announcement that it is pursuing ISO 42001 certification for ethical AI governance—a move that sets it apart in a field where ethical considerations are often overshadowed by technical specifications.

“We've created an internal ethical AI committee and adopted seven core principles to govern AI development,” said Figols. “This isn't about checking a box. We're embedding responsibility into our product lifecycle.”

He emphasized that i-PRO is training both internal staff and channel partners to align with these standards, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI algorithms.

In tandem with its ethics push, i-PRO reiterated its commitment to cybersecurity. All newly launched products meet the company's highest protection level of FIPS 140-3 Level 3, a non-negotiable in Figols' view.
“AI and cloud are only valuable if the data can be trusted,” he said. “You can't have innovation without security.”

A measured stance on Gen AI and autonomy

Despite the industry buzz around generative AI and autonomous systems, Figols offered a tempered outlook. He explained that while AI agents may soon handle repetitive monitoring tasks, human operators will remain essential.

“I don't believe we're moving toward fully autonomous security systems,” he said. “AI should support the operator—not replace them. Humans will still remain the final decisionmakers.”

Targeting government, education, and mission-critical markets

Looking ahead, i-PRO is focusing on verticals where reliability, cybersecurity, and ethical governance are paramount—namely government projects, transportation, and education. These sectors are expected to drive demand for AI-powered, cloud-compatible surveillance systems in the years to come.

“The trends we're seeing—cloud, AI, and cybersecurity—aren't just North American. They're global,” said Figols. “And we're designing our products and partnerships to meet that international demand.”

As the surveillance industry continues to grapple with questions of trust, transparency, and technological complexity, i-PRO's strategy at ISC West 2025 signals that the company intends to lead not just with innovation—but with integrity.