As technology evolves and security threats become more sophisticated, traditional hospitality security measures are no longer sufficient to protect guests, employees and assets. Integrating artificial intelligence into existing security systems can help mitigate these new risks. While AI is a relatively new concept for hotel security technology, its impact is profound and can deliver tremendous value for businesses.
At its core, security technology is a data collection system. Security has traditionally operated as a forensic tool, recording or tracking incidents for review after they occur. AI’s true power lies in its ability to convert this data into practical and usable information, process it quickly and report activities while they happen.
What is AI?
AI teaches computers to use more tools, consider probability and automate actions. It takes the if/then conditions in information processing and creates multiple levels of analysis and outputs; then it combines millions of these processes in fractions of a second. AI ingests enormous amounts of data and creates useful information, making it an incredibly effective threat assessment tool.
Unlike traditional security methods that rely heavily on human interpretation and intervention, AI can continuously process and learn from data. This means that AI systems can identify patterns and anomalies that would be difficult, or even impossible, for a human to detect.
AI Integration in Hotel Security Systems
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection has traditionally provided immediate announcements when an event occurs. It uses the principle that “if” this condition occurs, “then” do this. For example, if a door position switch separates from the magnet in the door, then the device sends a signal to the system that takes that input and outputs an alarm condition.
These events have been essentially linear, meaning one input event initiates a single output; one event equals one alarm. AI is transforming this approach by coupling multiple events, measuring probabilities to score the event and generating more intelligent information and responses. For example, AI can predict a significant influx of visitors in the hotel lobby, which can help to deploy the necessary resources to manage that challenge.
For intrusion detection, AI can integrate with existing hardware, including door and window sensors and locks, as well as motion sensors and more, to improve the system’s overall effectiveness.
Identity Verification and Biometrics
Identity verification and subsequent access control utilize AI through biometric analysis. Biometrics can take characteristics of fingerprints, facial features, iris scans and other biometrics, comparing real-time data to a database in order to identify a person within a predetermined probability level. AI enhances this process by expediting identity verification via biometrics, passively allowing or denying access, which helps ensure that only authorized individuals gain access to a facility.
Video Surveillance and Motion Detection
Historically, video surveillance systems have only provided images or video for viewing and recording. Hotel security staff would view real-time camera activity, as well as past recordings, to determine any unusual activity. Video recordings have typically been a forensic tool, and the time that is required by personnel to review those recordings is extensive.
AI has significantly advanced the effectiveness of video surveillance because it focuses on making video systems more effective in real time. Whether the intelligence is located at the server or camera level, these systems can identify, track and alarm based on color, shape, size, contrast, density and many other characteristics. Video systems can now immediately alert hotel personnel when the predetermined criteria are met. For example, hotels using license plate recognition cameras can better control access into restricted or protected parking areas. Incorporating AI for video surveillance systems can often use existing cameras paired with AI software on a central computer. Other systems incorporate AI into the cameras themselves.
Motion detection devices can be coupled with video systems to reduce false alarms. And not all motion detection devices require an alarm notification; some can be considered nonthreatening (such as trees blowing in the wind or a bird flying).
When motion detection is coupled with AI in a surveillance camera that can discern between people, cars, trucks and animals, the AI will know to ignore any benign motion and not waste response resources. As far as AI in video, motion detection can be an internal attribute programming feature in a camera as part of that AI feature in visual surveillance.
Weapons Detection
Weapons detection system manufacturers utilize AI to improve these devices, moving from a simple metal detector to a more intelligent weapons detection system. The concept is to build algorithms that compute the probability of a person carrying a weapon.
These systems compute density, shape and location data they receive as a person walks through a portal and compare it to an existing database of weapon characteristics. Based on a probability score, it will create an alarm event. This may be valuable, not only at the hotel’s main entrance or lobby, but within the hotel hallways, restaurants and other public areas.
The Future of AI in Physical Security and Hotel Operations
Future developments in AI will be able to create an even more complex analysis of the threat landscape. In the not-too-distant future, hotel managers and security personnel may receive messages that say something such as: “There is a 98 percent chance that the person that just entered through door #3 is the person that employee #205 on floor 5 has a restraining order against. There is an 87 percent chance he is armed. He is not allowed on premises.”
AI is still a developing concept, but it is undoubtedly growing and creating a more intelligent approach to assessing risk and threats in the physical security realm.
Lauris Freidenfelds is the vice president of security risk consulting of Telgian Engineering & Consulting. He has more than 40 years of experience in operational security, technology and emergency management programs.