Axis Communications has released a critical study on the use of AI in the video surveillance industry with perspectives from leading AI experts.
‘The state of AI in video surveillance’ Report (2025) explores the potential for AI to improve security and safety, as well as analysing the transformational impact on operational efficiency through its ability to process video data and extract business intelligence.
The new report released by Axisnhighlights top trends and expert insights around AI’s ability to transform the video surveillance industry, as ethics and responsible development become increasingly prevalent.
Key findings from the Axis’ report include:
AI deployment has surged over the past two years, notably due to increased customer demand, improved knowledge of applications and the emergence of new use cases.
However, with deployment processes and practices still evolving, the report has offered essential guidance to system integrators, technology vendors, A&E and developer communities as well as end customers.
The report combines insights from 11 in-depth interviews with selected experts from around the world with a proven track record in AI along with findings from two global surveys of channel partners and end customers that generated in excess of 5,500 responses from more than 60 countries in 2024.
Key themes emerging include the balance between on-premise, cloud and edge computing, ethical considerations for responsible AI deployment and the need for greater collaboration to enable better integration.
Mats Thulin, Director AI & Analytics Solutions, Axis Communications, commented: “AI remains one of the most powerful and transformative technologies within the video surveillance industry.
“This new research reveals that while there are significant opportunities for AI to improve safety and security, operational efficiency and business intelligence, there must be a focus on ethical implementation and meaningful integrations which drive value,” continued Thulin.
AI adoption offers significant advantages to business and society at large with benefits consisting of: greater efficiency; improved decision-making and enhanced output quality.
However AI also presents challenges with the survey of channel partners and end customers highlighting cybersecurity, risk and privacy (61%), analytics and actionable insights (36%), and AI and generative AI (34%) among the most significant trends shaping their industry and operations.
Nine thematic insights regarding AI technologies emerging from the expert interviews are also uncovered in Axis’ new report including:
The transition to cloud and edge AI continues to accelerate
Axis revealed that the hybrid model, which combines the immediate processing capabilities of edge AI on cameras with the scalability and long-term data storage of the cloud, is emerging as the preferred approach by many.
The integration of diverse data sources
Combining multiple streams of data enables more accurate detection and prediction of potential threats.
The integration of additional sensory data, such as audio and contextual environmental factors, to complement video data will enhance situational awareness, provide deeper, more actionable insights and offer a more comprehensive understanding of events.
Facial recognition gains traction
Facial recognition will continue to gain traction globally, but Axis has articulated that there must first be alignment with privacy regulations and transparency about how the technology works.
Ethical considerations around the use of facial recognition remain a central focus, particularly in regions with strong privacy laws.
Navigating responsible AI
Embedding responsible AI practices early in the development process was a recurring theme.
This means designing systems that prioritise fairness, transparency and data privacy from the outset, rather than integrating these considerations after deployment.
Human oversight is seen as key, while transparency is viewed as a prerequisite for trust.
Thulin concluded: “As a company, Axis is committed to the advancement of responsible AI.
“Our approach to AI is rooted in one overarching principle: That AI technology, just like all technologies, should leverage and augment human intelligence, build on respect for human rights and should benefit people and society.
“This is in line with Axis vision, to innovate for a smarter, safer world,” finalised Thulin.
