Page 66 - Security Today, March 2020

Airport IoT Operations Intelligent devices taking off fueled by AI
BTy Hartmut Schaper
he Internet of Things (IoT) has landed in airport operations. More than 20 billion end devices are al- ready networked via the
Internet, and there will likely be three times more than this by 2025, according to Statista. In the process, end devices are be- coming increasingly more intelligent and efficient, fueled by progress being made in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learn- ing and even 5G—the new mobile phone technology—which creates the required bandwidths for data transfer in the IoT.
All of this adds up to huge potential for environments such as airports. The deploy- ment of IoT cameras provides increased security and allows users to better under- stand the behavior of passengers. Based on video analyses in real time, operations can be optimized.
The current focus of spending on IoT projects centers on the use of cameras. However, a study carried out by Cisco de- termined three out of every four projects would fail. The reason? Many investments fall short of the mark because traditional thinking in IoT is very one dimensional: al- though cameras are being networked, their potential to optimize operations remains untapped. The key to tapping into this po- tential lies in finding the optimal synergy between end devices, platforms and appli- cations in the IoT, or “IoT Excellence.”
IoT-enabled cameras help their us- ers gain a greater understanding of how passengers and employees behave. This knowledge opens up new opportunities for optimizing processes and reducing downtime. Consider a few examples of how the IoT makes passenger transport more secure—particularly in airports— but also more efficient.
Smart Security Cameras
Artificial intelligence and higher comput- ing power create new application possibili- ties for cameras in the IoT. Today, com- plex applications such as video analyses or AI-based facial recognition can run directly on the camera.
A security camera in the airport not only provides video data, but it also com- pares this data—in real time—with im- ages in databases. Patterns of movement by travelers entering and exiting airport facilities, and passengers within the termi- nals can be detected and then interpreted in context.
Increased Security and Efficiency at Airports Airports have to check in growing num- bers of passengers while also guaranteeing high security standards. IoT applications for security cameras can provide support by optimizing operations in these areas:
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time—about waiting times and any op- erational irregularities.
Camera systems in air traffic control towers analyze irregularities on the runways and inform the airport man- agement team. New technologies guar- antee optimal visibility—even at night or in poor weather conditions.
By linking to other data sources such as weather data, traffic data and flight bookings, the systems can create intel- ligent forecasts about potential opera- tional disruptions.
Video analyses can be used for the early detection of suspicious behav- ior, whether by employees in sensitive areas for which they aren’t responsible, or passengers behaving in an unusual manner.
Security staff can use the camera system to follow suspicious people throughout the entire airport in real time.
The theft of luggage or other items
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Automatic facial recognition means people who are wanted by the police can be detected, increasing security at check-in areas.
Security cameras can analyze and con- trol visitor flow using smart displays. Passengers are kept informed—in real
SECURITY AND SAFETY
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