How AI Is Reshaping the Home Security Industry

Like most industries, home security is massively impacted by AI. Using historical data to make important security decisions, AI is currently transforming the home security industry because of its ability to detect unusual sounds, behave differently at different times, recognize specific people, and other advancements. Though not entirely ubiquitous yet, AI is likely the future of home security.

SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Zachary Amos – “How AI Is Reshaping the Home Security Industry”

When people leave their houses unattended, it’s common for them to worry whether their home is secure. The truth is, it’s impossible to know who’s hanging around without a security system or someone physically taking care of the house — and that’s where machine learning comes in.

Transforming the Security Industry

Traditional security cameras detect motion and not much else. That’s great if there’s a burglary in progress, but not ideal if the mailman triggers a false alarm every morning. Waving tree branches, passing deer and other harmless phenomena can also set off the motion sensors, leading to a bunch of unwanted alerts. What if home security systems were smarter?

Thankfully, a new generation of AI security devices is on the scene. They use historical data to identify trends, then make decisions based on what they’ve seen in the past. Even though crime rates will continue to fluctuate, there will always be a need to take advantage of new technological advances to keep a family safe. Here are just a few things smart security systems can do.

1. Behave Differently at Specific Times

Some devices can be programmed to only give alerts at certain times, such as after sundown. Or, the homeowner can program them to automatically set off an alarm or call the police rather than sending a phone alert if someone shows up at night. Smart systems can also turn the lights on or off depending on if people are home.

2. Talk to Strangers

Another capability of some smart security systems is the homeowner — or a third-party security employee in charge of watching the camera feed — can speak through them. For example, if a person starts peering in the front door, the homeowner and security company will both receive an alert. Either party can then look through the camera feed on their phone in real time.

Suppose the monitoring party doesn’t recognize the person. In that case, they can speak directly to potential intruder through the security camera’s speaker, asking them what they’re doing or letting them know they’re being monitored.

3. Detect Unusual Sounds

One thing AI does particularly well is determining abnormal activity. Certain security devices will flag suspicious noises or anything out of the ordinary. For example, if a smart security system detects the sound of breaking glass or yelling, it can trigger an alert or call emergency services.

4. Save Recordings

AI cameras can record in HD and save their recordings to the cloud. If someone needs to go back and reference a video from several weeks ago, it will still be available. This can put homeowners’ minds at ease in case they need to gather evidence of a crime or file a police report.

5. Recognize People

Smart cameras can recognize faces, then take notice when someone new shows up — and the homeowner can train them to accept or flag particular people. For example, the homeowner can give the device a list of people who frequently come over, such as friends and neighbors. They can also add people who may not stop by often but are still given the green light, like family members living in another town. Anyone else will trigger an alert.

The Future of Home Security

Seniors living alone can use cameras that analyze their movement and predict the likelihood of a fall, calling caregivers if they’re at high risk. Security systems can learn people’s routines and determine when they’ve left the house.

And thanks to smart locks, that nagging feeling of wondering whether the front door is locked can be put to rest.

Eventually, AI home security systems will likely be the standard rather than the exception they once were. With smart cameras drawing invisible boundary lines on people’s properties and the ability to link with other Internet of Things (IoT) devices, homeowners will be able to integrate cloud-based security into their daily lives, checking cameras just like they’d check their email.

For now, smart security systems may only be for some. But for the people who live alone, have expensive assets to protect or simply want peace of mind while leaving their houses unattended, AI home security devices might offer the best solution.

About the Author:

Zachary Amos is the Features Editor at ReHack where he writes about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related topics.