Hikvision has been voted as the winner in the hotly contested “Innovator of the Year” category in Benchmark’s Innovation Awards 2024! Hikvision has been steadily expanding its role in the security and surveillance market, with a focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and advancing its presence in the AV industry. This strategy reflects the company’s efforts to respond to industry needs and position itself as a key player in an evolving landscape. With a comprehensive range of AI-powered products and a commitment to ethical considerations, Hikvision is aligning its innovations with the demands of the global security market.
AIoT: An Integrated Approach to Security Technology
AI has become an essential tool for many sectors, but Hikvision’s approach goes beyond just embedding AI into existing products. The company is combining AI with the Internet of Things (IoT) to create what it calls AIoT, an integrated ecosystem of intelligent security solutions. This development marks a shift from traditional security products to a more holistic offering that includes access control, alarm systems, smart home solutions, and industrial automation.
Gary Harmer highlights the company’s vision: “At Hikvision, we see AI as a transformative force, especially when integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT), which we call AIoT. We’ve expanded our product range beyond video security to include a wider variety of products, including access control, intercom systems, alarm systems, fire prevention equipment, smart home solutions, and industrial automation tools. By embedding AI analytics into these diverse offerings, we’ve built a comprehensive AIoT technology system and product portfolio.”
For installers and end-users, the value of this AIoT approach lies in its ability to deliver enhanced functionality across different applications. Whether it’s improving operational efficiency in industrial environments or offering more precise analytics in surveillance, the AIoT model offers a future-ready framework for addressing both security and automation needs.
Addressing Ethical Concerns in AI Development
The rapid adoption of AI across industries has sparked discussions around the ethical implications of this technology. With concerns around data privacy, bias, and misuse, the security industry is no exception. Recognising the importance of addressing these issues, Hikvision established its Technical Ethics Committee in December 2020. The committee reviews new technology and applications, ensuring that AI development aligns with ethical standards.
Harmer elaborates on Hikvision’s approach: “The Technical Ethics Committee implements the Company’s ‘Tech for Good’ initiative, evaluates ethical risks associated with new technology research and application, and makes decisions, aligning technology with ethical responsibility. Emphasising respect for global diversity, the Committee balances stakeholder demands across different regions.”
For Hikvision’s customers, this ethical framework adds a layer of reassurance. In sectors like healthcare, education, and critical infrastructure—where security solutions must be reliable and ethically sound—this commitment to “Tech for Good” helps build trust and confidence in the company’s offerings.
Hikvision’s Growing Presence in the AV Market
Hikvision’s expansion beyond security into the AV market reflects a broader strategy to diversify its product portfolio. Although the company is best known for its surveillance and security products, it has been involved in the LED industry for over a decade, first entering the market in 2012. Since 2019, Hikvision has accelerated its growth in the AV sector, capitalising on its existing security channels while establishing new AV channels.
Harmer explains the company’s AV journey: “Hikvision has been in the LED industry for over a decade, with the first LED cabinet sold in 2012. Since 2019, we have expanded our presence in the international LED market by leveraging our existing security channels while developing new AV channels. Our initial focus has been on indoor LED displays, gradually expanding into outdoor, creative displays, and even rental products. Beyond channel development, Hikvision is among the few companies in the industry capable of independently developing and manufacturing LED cabinets, controllers, and software. This deep integration of hardware and software enhances our product competitiveness and enables better cost control.”
This integrated approach is particularly valuable in a competitive AV market, where differentiation often comes from the ability to offer complete solutions that combine hardware and software. For Hikvision, this capability allows the company to provide a wider range of LED display solutions, from fixed installations to more creative, dynamic displays suited for outdoor or event use.
Future Plans and Expanding Market Reach
Looking ahead, Hikvision’s strategy focuses on continued expansion in both the AV market and its security offerings. The company is particularly interested in fixed installation solutions for indoor and outdoor environments but is also planning to develop rental products for temporary or event-based installations. With 80 subsidiaries and branch offices outside of China, Hikvision is poised to further extend its reach globally.
Harmer outlines these plans: “Currently, Hikvision is focused on indoor and outdoor fixed installation solutions, with plans to develop rental products and expand into new markets. We have 80 subsidiaries and branch offices outside the Chinese mainland. In the coming years, we will increase investment in personnel and product development to enhance our product ecosystem, with particular focus on expanding our delivery and after-sales service networks. Additionally, platforms like Hik-Connect Team Mode will help our customers manage projects more efficiently, lowering the barrier for choosing Hikvision.”
By streamlining the customer experience with solutions like Hik-Connect Team Mode, Hikvision is not only adding value to its product lineup but also ensuring that customers can easily manage and integrate its technologies into their operations. This customer-centric approach is likely to be a key factor in Hikvision’s continued success, particularly as it expands into new markets and product categories.
Hikvision’s strategic focus on AI, ethical considerations, and AV expansion demonstrates a balanced approach to growth. By integrating AI with IoT technologies, addressing ethical concerns head-on, and broadening its product portfolio into AV, Hikvision is positioning itself as a multifaceted technology provider. For the security and AV markets, these developments offer a glimpse into how the company plans to stay relevant and competitive in an ever-changing landscape.
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