What Is AI Technology?

AI Technology refers to computer systems and technologies that allow machines to perform tasks that typically require some level of human intelligence. AI achieves this by learning processes, analysing data, and using that information to carry out specific tasks effectively.

These systems rely on a blend of machine learning, advanced algorithms, and computer models to tackle complex problems and then generate smart solutions.

AI has been part of our daily lives for quite some time. It powers the facial recognition that unlocks our phones and the smart speakers that help us turn off the lights or even track our Amazon deliveries. For over a decade, it has quietly worked behind the scenes, making everyday tasks easier.

What’s exciting now is how AI is evolving and expanding beyond consumer technology. Industries like healthcare, security, and many others are unlocking its potential to solve real-world challenges with greater efficiency than ever before. The future of AI is here and already transforming the way we work and live.

Why Is AI Technology Used?

At the core of AI lies Machine Learning (ML), this is a part of AI that allows systems to obtain data and learn from it to improve the system’s performance over time. It does this without the need of it being constantly programmed by a human. Machine Learning works by applying other AI tools such as algorithms which enables it to, uncover patterns and relationships within the environment it is working in. These insights are then used to make predictions or decisions of what may or may not happen.

For example, an AI system might learn to recognise specific objects in images, such as identifying criminals in photos, or predict outcomes based on past behaviours, like forecasting customer buying habits or anticipating equipment failures.

The ability to adapt and improve makes Machine Learning the foundation of AI, driving its capability to solve complex problems and deliver smarter solutions.

How Can AI Be Applied to The Fire and Security Industry?

AI is proving beneficial in more complex situations when a person might not be present or implemented to relieve a person from a task. For example, in a building where people cannot always be present you might introduce AI to either protect the building from either a fire instance or security breach in your absence.

AI In the Fire Industry

Within the fire safety industry, AI has the potential to significantly reduce false alarms by analysing data more intelligently.

In a real-world scenario, AI can differentiate between smoke, steam, and dust by using advanced algorithms (like those in our Algo-tec™ software for sensors). But it doesn’t stop there – AI can go one step further and consider other factors such as the time of day and the environment to make more accurate decisions about whether an alarm indicates a real fire or a false alarm.

Take a workshop environment as an example. If a smoke detector activates, the system can analyse whether it’s detecting actual smoke, or if it’s just steam or dust from the work being carried out. The AI-driven fire alarm system could then cross-reference this data with external factors such as the workshop’s operational hours. If the workshop is closed, it’s more likely to be a genuine fire, so the system would trigger the alarm and notify the Alarm Response Centre (ARC).

However, if the workshop is active and hot works are likely taking place, the system might classify the alert as a false alarm and for that reason it would not initiate an alarm. However, it could still prompt a staff member to investigate the area as a precaution, ensuring safety without causing unnecessary disruption. By incorporating AI, fire safety systems can become smarter, more efficient, and better tailored to real-world scenarios, offering both peace of mind and practicality.

AI In the Security Industry

The security industry is increasingly turning to AI, and for good reason. This sector has always been at the forefront of adopting advanced technology, constantly seeking innovative solutions to enhance safety and security measures.

A simple and familiar example of AI in action is its use in CCTV systems. Modern CCTV setups often combine Machine Learning and Computer Vision to identify potential issues. These technologies enable features like facial recognition, which, while not new, has significantly advanced thanks to breakthroughs in AI.

One notable recent use of AI in CCTV was during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thermal imaging cameras became a widely used tool to help prevent the virus’s spread. These cameras could detect elevated body temperatures, signalling if someone might be unwell. When the system identified someone with a higher-than-normal temperature, it triggered an alert, allowing swift action to isolate the individual and reduce the risk of wider exposure. This practical application of AI demonstrated how technology could adapt to meet urgent global challenges.

What Does This Mean for Building Integrators?

As we can see, AI has practical applications in both the fire and security industries. In real-world environments, there’s no reason why these technologies couldn’t work together to reduce the need for a constant physical presence on-site.

Imagine a large commercial office block equipped with fire and security systems working seamlessly side by side. If smoke was detected, the fire alarm system could use its advanced algorithms to determine whether an activation was caused by smoke or if it was a false alarm. The security system could then decide if the instance needed further investigation.

For instance, a Cirrus HYBRID system could use its SCD (Scatter Chamber Detector) to analyse the smoke and signal a fire. But if the secondary CCD (Cloud Chamber Detector) channel didn’t detect any combustion particles, it would confirm there is not a fire and would not raise a widespread alarm as it would be deemed to be a false alarm.

However, it could still initiate a notification which it might still warrant attention. At this point, the security system would step in. A camera could be activated to zoom in on the area in question.

Using its video algorithms, the CCTV system could assess the temperature of nearby objects or analyse the actions of individuals to identify the cause. If the camera detected the action of someone vaping (reaching for their mouth multiple times), the system could capture the footage and forward it to security staff for further investigation.

In an office setting, this could prompt an email to be generated with the image to be attached, for the Health and Safety or Human Resource teams to be logged as a violation of the site’s no-smoking policy, which in turn will reduce the chance of future false alarms.

By integrating fire and security systems in this way, AI not only enhances safety and security but also reduces costly false alarms and creates a more efficient and intelligent approach to managing large sites.

To find out more on how our various systems could provide you with an extra level of confidence by introducing AI technology into your building systems then reach out to our team.