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As enterprises across the Middle East and beyond accelerate their digital transformation journeys, video technology is rapidly evolving from a passive security tool into an intelligent data platform. At Intersec, the focus shifts from hardware-centric surveillance to the real-world power of video-based analytics, demonstrating how AI-driven insights can be applied across clinical, industrial, and critical infrastructure environments.
Rather than showcasing concepts or future visions, the emphasis is on deployable, proven solutions that address today’s operational challenges, from industrial process monitoring and water management to safety and efficiency optimisation.
This conversation with Andrea Monteleone, Segment Development Manager, Critical Infrastructure at Axis Communications, explores how smart cameras, advanced analytics, and AI are converging to redefine surveillance, enable smarter decision-making, and lay the foundation for the next generation of interactive, insight-led systems.
Q1: What are you showcasing at the exhibition?
A: Our main focus is on how we use video-based analytics across diverse environments. It is not just about the products themselves, but about how technology can converge toward data analytics in every possible setting, whether clinical, industrial, or infrastructural. The goal is to show practical applications of analytics in real-world environments, which is what we are emphasising at this exhibition.
Q2: What are the latest innovations in AI-powered video analytics?
A: AI is a hot topic across ICT, OT, and security spaces, but the challenge lies in transforming AI from concept into reality. What we are demonstrating today is not theoretical. These are deployable, real-world solutions. This includes water monitoring, industrial process tracking, and temperature monitoring, which are applications that industries need right now. Unlike concepts or simulations, our focus is on tangible, immediately usable solutions.
Q3: What is driving enterprises to invest in smart surveillance over traditional systems?
A: The key driver is the expanded use of technology beyond traditional security roles. A camera now acts as a digital eye with a powerful brain, capable of monitoring far more than security alone. Companies use computer vision for industrial process control, staff safety, and quality monitoring. The benefits are clear. It helps save costs, increase productivity, and improve operational efficiency. This is particularly evident in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, and India, where enterprises are leveraging technology for broader operational insights.
Q4: How would you define the next generation of smart surveillance?
A: The next generation of smart surveillance will be interactive systems. It is not about controlling people. It is about enhancing awareness of potentially dangerous situations. Future systems will allow users to ask questions, receive updates, and integrate information from multiple sensors such as cameras, radars, and fire detection systems. Instead of simply viewing a feed, users will be able to interact with the system to understand what is happening in real time.
Q5: How will AI and analytics evolve services in the future?
A: Predicting the next five years is difficult because technology is evolving at a rapid pace. However, AI adoption will continue to grow, starting with simple and practical use cases. One reality is that a large proportion of AI-based projects fail due to challenges in training models for non-standard environments. Going forward, organisations will focus on collecting diverse real-world data and refining AI models to ensure reliable outcomes. While the evolution will differ across sectors such as banking, healthcare, and industry, the overarching trend will be more intelligent, data-driven services powered by AI.