How AI can improve the security of facility entrances

While artificial intelligence (AI) has made an impact in a myriad of technology sectors, it is still in its infancy in the physical security industry. AI's ability to simulate the human intelligence process by acquiring and learning certain tasks and behaviors is well suited for some of physical security's redundant tasks. The artificial neural network (ANN) is at the heart of this learning process, as thousands of sensors mimic the human brain by absorbing data and information from its environment, assessing its meaning or threat level through its sensory devices, such as video cameras, access control and secure entrance systems, Internet of Things (IoT)-powered devices, and social media and other big data resources to then coordinate the appropriate response. John Carter, co-founder of a smart security solutions provider, wrote in a SIA Technology Insights newsletter, "No physical security devices have benefited more from AI than physical access control systems. When integrated with an AI-based solution, an access control system can now quickly react to threats and adjust permissions accordingly. Having the ability to identify anomalous events, insider threats, and hazardous situations and dynamically change permissions is a major breakthrough for the physical security world."