The introduction of video analytics solutions got off to a rocky start many years ago. The biggest problem was that companies promised more than their analytics software could actually deliver. While this led to great mistrust in the technology, commercial customers have warmed up to intelligent video solutions once again. ABI Research forecasts that the global installed base of video surveillance cameras will reach 1.2 billion by 2030, thanks to technological advancements in edge-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). New and improved edge-based AI and ML capabilities of cameras have peeled back the onion, and underneath the surface lies a world of diverse video analytics applications and use cases. This blog post lists six video analytics companies and intelligent surveillance providers using advanced technologies like AI and ML to help customers strengthen their surveillance apparatuses.
Table of Contents
If you're in a rush, watch the video below that comes from the ABI Research YouTube channel.
Ambarella
The Santa Clara, California-based semiconductor company Ambarella has been a key contributor to many intelligent camera products. The firm’s High-Definition (HD) video compression and image processing technology has powered products in the security, automotive, industrial, Internet of Things (IoT), and robotics markets. Moreover, Ambarella played a massive role in bringing the GoPro HERO line, as well as several other electronics products, to the consumer space.
Through Ambarella’s CVflow technology, customers can run advanced neural networks on edge devices without any worry about power constraints or video resolution quality. The company’s intelligent video devices use face detection, analytics, and multi-object Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classification to bolster commercial and residential security, while operating video applications locally without relying on cloud services.
Ambarella, through its inroads with advanced AI-based analytics and computer vision, has successfully tapped into markets such as:
- Professional Internet Protocol (IP) cameras
- Home security
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS)
Bosch
Bosch is another top-tier video analytics company, sporting a product portfolio that includes IP cameras, Video Management System (VMS) software, and servers. The German company stands out in that it has been a huge spark for intelligent camera security standardization efforts. Bosch founded Security & Safety Things (SAST), later renamed Azena, which provided developers with an open platform to create new camera software. The firm created an app store that served as an open platform for a wide range of video analytics solutions for AI-based edge camera products.
As per SecurityInfoWatch, Azena acknowledged that the anticipated market trends that influenced its business plan did not materialize as expected. Consequently, the company strategically shifted to focus on Bosch's internal business. This decision raised concerns within the video surveillance market regarding the development of automated edge-based analytics for various use cases. The challenge at hand poses a potential risk to one of the main advantages of smart cameras, which is their ability to deliver value across different industries and business sectors.
Teledyne FLIR
Teledyne FLIR, a subsidiary of Teledyne Technologies, is an American company headquartered in Oregon. The firm’s most remarkable proficiency is in infrared imaging technology, which helps cater to niche markets, such as aerospace and defense, environmental monitoring, medical imaging, and smart cities.
Teledyne FLIR offers its video analytics products in diverse form factors. Notable examples include a drone-based camera that can record video footage at an industrial site and biometric-supported cameras (handheld and fixed) that can detect elevated skin temperature levels. Additionally, Teledyne FLIR offers commercial security products that enterprises are more accustomed to, such as thermal PTZ and bullet surveillance cameras, alongside thermal cameras that come with onboard video analytics software.
Genetec
A VMS market leader, Genetec is a Montréal, Canada-based company primarily operating in the video software domain. Genetec’s solutions are tailored to video surveillance and access control applications. The software can also integrate with many third-party platforms, such as AllGoVision’s Deep Learning (DL)-based video analytics solution. The firm’s security solutions, Omnicast and Security Center, are described in detail below:
- Omnicast: This is Genetec’s VMS software product, which supports a broad array of cameras and offers a hybrid cloud recording option.
- Security Center: As Genetec’s flagship product, Security Center is the nucleus that connects all of a customer’s security systems/core software products on a single, scalable platform.
The idea of unification is a major goal embedded in Genetec’s video software. Omnicast and Security Center are good examples, but so is the company’s Citigraf offering for smart city applications. Citigraf collects various data throughout a city and enables law enforcement/public safety officials to view this critical information in one place. This is a significant step up from siloed insights about the city.
Honeywell
Honeywell, based out of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a heavy hitter in the physical security market, with a diverse portfolio of products in video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection. The company provides customers with IP cameras, video analytics software, and storage capacity to make an End-to-End (E2E) solution possible.
Honeywell’s VMS is called MaxPro, and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are its primary user base. They can use it either on-premises or in the cloud. In many areas, Honeywell caters to its SME video surveillance customers. For example, Honeywell's 35 Series IP Security Camera, introduced in 2022, touts AI-based intelligence, while maintaining cost-effectiveness for smaller businesses.
Outside the SME security domain, Honeywell also offers smart cameras akin to other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These products include PTZ, dome, bullet, fisheye cameras, and thermal and license plate recognition products.
As for the primary applications that Honeywell’s video analytics solutions extend to, a sample is listed below:
- People and vehicle tracking
- Tamper detection
- Loitering detection
- Intrusion alerts
- Mask detection and social distancing
VIVOTEK
The sixth and final company on the list is the Taiwanese firm VIVOTEK. Its products include network cameras, video analytics software, and Network Video Recordings (NVRs), among others. VIVOTEK is highly revered in the video surveillance industry and has been recognized as a top-40 Taiwanese global brand for three consecutive years. VIVOTEK is also known for its active role in pushing for open platforms for video surveillance. The company was one of five founding members of the surveillance security standards organization Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA).
VIVOCloud, the company’s cloud service, is geared toward SME clients and has a service designated specifically for retail customers. A notable recent development from VIVOTEK was the launch of an AI-based security system called VAST Security Station (VSS). With the new system, customers can manage as many as 20,000 cameras and expect reliable intelligent image analysis.
Next Steps
Advancements in video analytics have allowed video surveillance companies to extend their offerings to new customers and verticals. However, there are a few things software vendors and camera manufacturers must consider as they seek to capitalize on new video surveillance applications.
To acquire this strategic insight for companies in the commercial video analytics space, read the Commercial Video Analytics Market Sizing and Expectations Research Highlight. This content is part of ABI Research’s IoT Networks & Services subscription coverage.
