i-PRO has announced Version 3.0 of its AI-powered intelligent search software, Active Guard, which now includes free text search powered by Generative AI. The new release marks a shift in how operators can interact with video management systems (VMS), making it possible to search video data using natural language rather than relying only on predefined filters.
Instead of selecting attributes from a list, operators can simply type queries such as “fire truck,” “person who fell down,” or “electric scooter” and receive accurate results—even if those objects or actions were never manually tagged. This builds on Active Guard’s existing library of 98 edge-generated attributes, already one of the most extensive in the industry, and now offers virtually unlimited flexibility.
“Video data keeps growing, but the ability to quickly find what matters and act on it instantly makes all the difference in mission-critical environments,” said Gerard Figols, Chief Operating Officer at i-PRO. “With free text search, professionals can create precise search filters as easily as speaking. And because Active Guard integrates with VMS platforms like Genetec, Milestone, Luxriot and VideoInsight, operators can access results faster, with greater control.”
On-premises power
The new release is designed for organisations that need to keep systems off the cloud for security reasons. Running entirely on-premises, Active Guard 3.0 delivers Generative AI-powered search without requiring an internet connection.
“Mission-critical sites often restrict internet access to reduce cyber risk, which rules out cloud-based features,” explained Philippe Henaine, Manager, Strategic Partners at i-PRO. “That’s why we built GenAI directly into the Active Guard server. Operators get all the benefits of free text search while keeping data privacy and cybersecurity firmly under their control.”
Compatibility and upgrades
The software combines metadata and best-shot images from i-PRO AI-enabled cameras with the server-based GenAI engine to deliver results quickly and accurately. Importantly, users do not need to replace existing i-PRO AI cameras to take advantage of the upgrade.
For sites with mixed infrastructure, the X-Series camera AI relay function allows Active Guard 3.0 to extend GenAI search capabilities even to non-AI cameras, including those from other manufacturers. This means legacy devices can also be brought into the ecosystem.
New person search capabilities
Another feature in Version 3.0 is Person Image Similarity Search, based on Person Re-Identification technology. This tool allows operators to locate visually similar individuals within video footage, supporting investigations where appearance may change due to lighting, angles or clothing. By focusing on visual similarities rather than fixed attributes, it broadens the scope of search and accelerates incident resolution.
Active Guard is designed to turn video systems from passive recorders into proactive tools for situational awareness. By generating metadata at the edge, the platform enables real-time alerts and advanced forensic search without burdening bandwidth. This makes it well-suited for environments ranging from airports and transport hubs to retail, healthcare and education.
Active Guard Version 3.0 will be available for download from October 2025.