Artificial intelligence is changing the rules of the game in the security industry

With its report *‘The State of AI in Video Surveillance 2025’*, Axis Communications, a technology leader in network video, presents a comprehensive study on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in video-based security. The results clearly show that AI is increasingly evolving from a topic of the future to a core business priority – both in the security context and beyond. The report is based on interviews with global partners and surveys of nearly 6,000 industry participants worldwide. It provides insights into technological trends, application areas, integration strategies and ethical issues.

Relevance for the security industry: AI is becoming a priority

66% of executives and 62% of partners rate AI (including generative AI) as the most important technology of the future – on a par with traditional security issues such as data protection and cyber risks. Among end customers, however, AI ranks ‘only’ third, which indicates a lack of information or cautious expectations. Nevertheless, a clear trend can be seen: the security industry no longer sees AI as merely a useful addition, but increasingly as an integral foundation for modern security solutions.

Especially in times of growing threats and increasing demand for real-time information, the focus is shifting from reactive to proactive security management – a development that would be virtually inconceivable without AI.

Technological paradigm shift: from the headquarters to the edge

The report documents the accelerated shift towards hybrid cloud-edge infrastructures. By shifting analysis capacities to the cameras themselves (edge AI), data is already being processed intelligently on site. This reduces latency, conserves bandwidth and enables immediate responses – for example, in the event of unauthorised access or suspicious behaviour. Combined with cloud-based data storage, this ensures scalability and long-term archiving.

For operators of security-critical infrastructures or large areas, this means greater efficiency, more control and faster response times – even with growing data volumes.

Multisensory security: AI analyses context-sensitively

A particularly relevant aspect of the report is its emphasis on multimodal data integration. The integration of additional sensors – e.g. audio, temperature, motion – significantly enhances the informative value of video analytics. Security solutions that link multiple sensory data sources are closer to human perception: context-based, responsive and situationally aware.

For the security industry, this means not only better hazard prediction, but also more efficient use of resources – keyword: prioritisation of alarms, early escalation or automatic triggering of measures.

Business intelligence: Security becomes relevant for businesses

One of the key findings of the Axis report is that AI-enabled video surveillance is increasingly proving its worth beyond traditional security applications. Network cameras with analytics are becoming data suppliers for business decisions in areas such as:

• People counting & customer frequency analysis (retail)
• Resource utilisation & process optimisation (manufacturing, logistics)
• Zone control & space efficiency (property management)

This positions the security industry as part of a company-wide digital value chain. AI turns the camera into a tool for process analysis – a huge paradigm shift.

Face recognition: between efficiency and ethics

According to the report, face recognition will continue to gain importance worldwide. It is considered a powerful lever for access control, personal identification and forensic analysis. However, strict data protection regulations – especially in Europe – require differentiated and context-dependent implementation.

The security industry therefore has a responsibility not only to set technological standards, but also to help shape ethical guidelines. Transparency, education and data protection-compliant system architecture are crucial for the social acceptance of this technology.

Conclusion: AI as a catalyst for security and business value

The report by Axis Communications marks a milestone for the security industry. It shows that AI must be understood not just as a technological gimmick, but as a strategic driver of innovation. The trend is clearly moving towards:

• Proactive security models instead of passive surveillance
• Hybrid architectures instead of centralised infrastructure
• Multi-sensor technology and context analysis instead of individual data processing
• Collaboration with business intelligence instead of isolated solutions
• Ethics and data protection as a framework for innovation

For security providers, system integrators and decision-makers, this means that those who harness the potential of AI – while taking regulatory and ethical frameworks seriously – can not only increase security levels, but also tap into new business models.

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Comment

The Axis report has its finger on the pulse. The security industry is on the threshold of an intelligent, data-driven era. One thing is clear: AI is not an end in itself, but a tool that, when used correctly, can have an impact far beyond the traditional role of protection. The industry would be well advised to actively shape this change, demonstrate technological openness and, at the same time, assume social responsibility.

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Source

*The State of AI in Video Surveillance 2025 – Axis Communications*