Scottish tech firm creates ‘ZIVA’ robotic solution for security and agriculture inspections

Edinburgh-based Casta Spes Technologies has unveiled a new robotic security vehicle offering security and inspection solutions across multiple sectors including agriculture, energy/utilities and construction.

Named ZIVA, the multi-terrain, high-performance robot saves 92% on the cost of a manned patrol by combining autonomous navigation with multiple software add-ons, such as licence plate recognition and threat classification. ZIVA was designed to reduce the cost and time associated with false alarms, using its dynamic and flexible nature to cover blind spots, which can be a major drawback with static cameras.

ZIVA provides 360-degree CCTV coverage and can be driven remotely or set to automatically patrol specified routes using multiple sensors and autonomous navigation.

ZIVA is the first product from Casta Spes Technologies, set up by 24-year-old graduates Selby Cary and Michael McDonald. Designed using funding from pre-seed tech accelerator Seed Haus and Scottish Enterprise support, it’s currently deployed onsite with several companies including West Coast Capital Properties.

Selby Cary (left) and Michael McDonald pictured with their ZIVA solution

Cary, the CEO of Casta Spes Technologies, completed a Masters degree at Heriot-Watt University, which is known for its robotics research and teaching. He explained: “It’s estimated that the perimeter security market will be worth over $197 billion by 2022, with the global market for surveillance robots expected to reach $10.2 billion by 2025. This is a massive growth industry.”

He continued: “ZIVA works by analysing the images it sees, allowing it to take on important perimeter security roles in remote areas or locations with limited infrastructure, such as warehouses, industrial properties and construction sites.”

Leader in robotic technology

Cary believes Scotland has already demonstrated that it’s a leader in robotic technology and development. “Scotland is fast becoming the robotics capital of Europe with the National Robotarium under construction in Edinburgh and the city playing host to some of the world’s leading robotics experts. We believe Scotland’s capital is the ideal springboard from which to launch ZIVA. Furthermore, the terrain and weather conditions are ideal for testing. Once we knew we had something that could work in the Scottish weather, we were confident we could make it work anywhere.”

Able to reach speeds of 19 km/h and capable of tackling rough terrain, including gravel and long grass, ZIVA overcomes many of the challenges faced by competitor robot security vehicles due to its innovative design. It can also provide a range of agricultural functions, such as checking crops for disease or monitoring livestock.

ZIVA’s mechanical design combines multiple innovations in one platform. Its dual-wheeled system means it has a greater payload capacity, offers energy efficiency and can overcome rough terrain without becoming stuck. ZIVA’s flexible and modular design means that clients can customise it to their own requirements, thereby providing an affordable, real-world solution to their remote security needs.

Casta Spes Technologies plans to deploy more units into the field shortly and will launch a suite of software add-ons and data analytics plug-ins to enhance ZIVA’s CCTV capabilities over the next 12 months.

Synectics to highlight value of ethical surveillance tools at Global MSC Security Conference 2019

This year’s Global MSC Security Conference and Exhibition, which runs at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol on 11-12 November, will see Synectics explain how advanced technologies and evolving features can support those practitioners tasked with ensuring that public surveillance is undertaken legally and ethically.  

Over 150 delegates from the fields of security, law enforcement, Government and academia are due to attend the two-day event, which will focus on the ethical challenges presented by the growing use of CCTV, ANPR, drones, facial recognition and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the public realm. Risk Xtra is the Official Media Partner.

Speakers include Tony Porter, the UK’s Surveillance Camera Commissioner, who’ll be joined by senior representatives from police forces, Fire and Rescue Services and other organisations focused on public safety, crime prevention and national security.

‘Building Ethical Capacity into Surveillance Technology’

Synectics’ Martin Bonfield joins the event line-up. His detailed seminar will highlight how public concerns regarding surveillance ‒ especially those around the use of emerging technologies such as facial recognition and AI ‒ are shown to be greatly reduced if robust and demonstrable safeguards are in operation.

Those attending the session will gain a clear understanding of the tools available to help ensure that any public surveillance data can be captured, managed and shared in accordance with existing and evolving demands. 

The session will look specifically at solutions designed to support users in four key areas: the use of facial recognition, regulatory compliance (with, for example, the General Data Protection Regulation), data protection (cyber security) and evidence management.

Under the spotlight

To showcase emerging capabilities, Synectics will be demonstrating how its Synergy 3 Command and Control platform supports a wide range of safeguarding and compliance mechanisms, including comprehensive digital audit trails, automated workflows aligned to standard operating procedures and time-limited data storage.

The role played by highly secure, cloud-based evidence lockers ‒ which support secure, real-time authorised access to data ‒ will also be discussed, specifically in the context of inter-agency data-sharing.

Martin Bonfield

Bonfield informed Risk Xtra: “Synectics has been at the forefront of global surveillance solutions for over 30 years. We work closely with customers to tackle the complex issue of ethics surrounding CCTV use, data capture and monitoring, as well as the robust management of digital evidence. I’m looking forward to showing delegates examples of the smart technology available to ensure surveillance operations are effective, secure and compliant with legal and ethical frameworks – today, and years from now.”

As a premium sponsor, Synectics (exhibiting on Stand 15) will be showcasing its leading-edge technologies. Live demonstrations will run throughout the event to demonstrate how the tools explored in the seminar can be applied within a range of practical evidence management and incident response scenarios.

360 Vision Technology showcases low power consumption and hybrid camera ranges at Global MSC Conference 2019

UK-based CCTV manufacturer 360 Vision Technology will be showing its latest range of high-performance surveillance cameras at the Global MSC Conference and Exhibition 2019, which runs at The Bristol Hotel in Bristol from 11-12 November. Risk Xtra is the Official Media Partner for the event.

Helping CCTV system operators to reduce their carbon footprint and cost of ownership, 360 Vision Technology will be showing its latest range of low power consumption surveillance cameras that offer greater energy savings, allied to lower running costs.

“On larger projects, the latest ranges of Predator and Invictus PTZ cameras deliver tangible savings on energy and a reduction in associated pollution, offering significant advantages over camera alternatives from the Far East,” explained Adrian Kirk, strategic account director at 360 Vision Technology, in conversation with Risk Xtra. “Featuring a host of performance and user-centric operational benefits, the highly competitive all-in-one Invictus PTZ camera is already a popular choice for local authority system upgrades as customers look at total cost of ownership and viable solutions to help them meet their carbon footprint reduction goals.”

‘Attack Detect’ feature

Meeting the demand for CCTV cameras deployed roadside to be ‘fit for purpose’, on show in Bristol will be 360 Vision Technology’s cameras featuring accurate self-calibrating direct drive pan and tilt mechanisms with a novel ‘Attack Detect’ feature. The latter protects the camera from an increase in camera load (such as the camera being struck by an object). On detection, the camera runs an automated ‘self-check’ diagnostic routine and returns the camera head to its last known position prior to impact.

“Public space CCTV and cameras securing perimeters typically operate adjacent to roads with a heightened risk of impact from vehicles, be it accidentally or maliciously,” continued Kirk. “Installing 360 Vision Technology’s ruggedised cameras featuring ‘Attack Detect’ into those locations provides end user customers with a fit for purpose ‘Rugged at the Roadside’ solution that ensures continued surveillance performance even when cameras are under attack.”

Supporting analogue systems

Supporting the needs of customers operating analogue-based CCTV systems, 360 Vision Technology will also be showing its range of ‘Hybrid’ analogue/digital cameras. “Comprising a high-performance mono/colour analogue camera with a combined HD-ready digital output, these cameras can be used to replace or supplement existing analogue PTZ cameras,” outlined Kirk. “Providing true future-proof functionality, they also support any transition to IP networks, with their HD digital output available at the flick of a switch.”

360 Vision Technology is inviting Global MSC Conference delegates to find out more about how the company’s low-power consumption analogue, HD, thermal, radar and wireless CCTV camera models can help them to save on operational costs, while at the same time delivering high-performance surveillance solutions on site.

IDIS Global Partners Summit highlights developments in analytics and end-to-end solutions for strategic markets

The latest advances in video analytics – including improved classification, accuracy and speed – were unveiled at a Global Partners Summit of international security and video surveillance professionals hosted by IDIS in Seoul, South Korea.

The three-day event, attended by senior executives from leading security distributors from 23 countries, focused on how IDIS is responding to market trends and needs, developing end-to-end solutions (including specialist technologies for a range of vertical markets) and pushing forward with improvements to the IDIS Deep Learning Engine, the technology which powers the company’s ‘AI in the Box’ and IDIS Deep Learning Analytics solutions for end users.

Earlier this year, IDLA Version 3.0 was introduced as a service module for up to 80 channels within the IDIS Solution Suite VMS and it set new performance benchmarks by achieving an accuracy of 97%-98% while dramatically reducing false alarms. Responding to customer demand for easier, more affordable analytics for smaller applications, IDIS also launched its aforementioned DV-2116 ‘AI in the Box’ solution.

Delegates learned of future enhancements in meta-data searching by class, colour and number, plus the ability to search a specific area of interest. People counting, fall detection and the ability to search by the direction of an object’s movement were also previewed and delegates received advanced notice of a new range of AI-ready 5 MP cameras, featuring deep learning on-the-edge analytics, due for release next year.

Technology roadmap for 2020

The Global Partners Summit also previewed IDIS’ ambitious video product and technology roadmap for 2020, further building out the company’s end-to-end solutions for core vertical market sectors.

Innovations in recording and camera technology, and the growing importance of cyber security, extended warranties and the advantages of delivering lower total cost of ownership and lower total cost to serve for systems integrators and installers were among key topics discussed at the event.

IDIS works closely with its partners and hosts the annual Global Partners Summit as an opportunity to exchange market insights and steer its strategies for product development, technical support and marketing.

Partners shared Best Practice implementations and related Case Studies in core vertical markets including retail, education, logistics and distribution and hotels.

Awards for Best Practice

Joon Jun, president of the IDIS Global Business Division, recognised outstanding project implementations and presented special awards for Best Practice to Alarm Automatika from Croatia and BTCO of Chile.

This collaborative approach, focusing on long-term partnerships, is a key element in the company’s success. It’s a customer-focused model that has seen IDIS grow continuously since 1997 to become Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance manufacturer, with regional operations now expanding across 50-plus countries.

Concluding the Global Partners Summit, special partner awards were presented by YD Kim, CEO of IDIS, recognising outstanding collaboration and sales growth over the last year. These were given to Alarm Automatica of Croatia, CCTV Center from Spain, EPCOM of Mexico, JES CQTEC of Thailand and Japan’s Secure Inc.

Joon Jun

“The expertise, energy and commitment from all our partners at this year’s Global Partners Summit demonstrates yet again that collaboration is that the best route to success,” said Joon Jun. “Together, we’re giving our customers the most advanced video surveillance solutions, ease-of-use and installation, scaleability and protection against today’s cyber security risks.”

Facit Data Systems launches new website to showcase video analytics portfolio

Since its inauguration five years ago, Facit Data Systems has grown to become one of the market’s foremost providers of video analytics and compliance software. Now, the company has launched an all-new website designed to showcase its solutions for end users.

A host of operators are maximising organisations’ CCTV investments by generating business intelligence to improve sales, staffing efficiency, customer experience, safety and compliance.

Facit Data Systems’ People Counter, Queue Manager and Heat Map solutions operate cost-effectively over installed CCTV cameras and are system agnostic. Identity Cloak auto redaction software launched in 2018 to help Facit Data Systems’ customers comply with strict General Data Protection Regulation guidelines for video data.

The new Facit Data Systems website reflects the business’ work with the UK’s largest brands in retail, banking, healthcare and public space, as well as its partnerships with some of the world’s most trusted specialists.

*Visit the new Facit Data Systems website

TDSi appoints new channel partner manager for Northern England and Scotland

Integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi welcomes Gwen Curran to the business as its new channel partner manager (North). Curran’s role is a pivotal one in TDSi’s ongoing relationship with its channel partners in Northern England and Scotland.

John Davies, managing director of TDSi, commented: “Channel partners are a lifeblood for TDSi and we have a close working relationship with them as we build our business together. We’re very pleased to welcome Gwen to this highly important role. She will be a key contact for our channel partners across the North.”

Reflecting upon her new position, Curran commented: “My new role means I will be working closely with leading channel partners in the North to grow awareness of our full access control offer supported by the wider TDSi integrated security portfolio. I’ll be here to support our installation partners with all of their TDSi needs, but equally to support their business with end users and grow joint revenue overall.”

Gwen Curran: joining the team at TDSi

Curran’s career in the security industry started in 2004 when she joined Norbain, working as an internal account manager with the distributor for over a decade. Across those ten years, Curran worked with leading manufacturers on a range of security systems and products including CCTV, IP solutions, access control, gate automation and intruder alarm systems.

In 2013, Curran joined the Risco Group before taking on her new role at TDSi. 

Continued Curran: “Access control is an element of the security industry that’s growing at a rapid pace and, as part of the TDSi team, I aim to be an integral part of this vibrant sector. As a leading British security solutions manufacturer, TDSi’s systems are at the heart of many exciting projects, which often include close integration with many other leading brands and manufacturers.”

Curran concluded: “I’m looking forward to working alongside our channel partners and to being a key part of TDSi’s rich ongoing history and helping to grow the business.”

ONVIF hosts 20th Developers’ Plugfest in Tokyo

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, recently hosted its 20th Developers’ Plugfest in Tokyo. It’s a milestone that, the organisation believes, firmly emphasises the continued growth and demand for interoperable solutions.

Developers and engineers from 22 ONVIF member companies gathered at the three-day event to test their implementations of ONVIF Profiles with other ONVIF Profile-conformant products. Developers can test their products independently for Profile conformance, as well as test for interoperability between their devices and those developed by other manufacturers.

With 47 members testing their implementations of the six ONVIF Profiles, attendees logged nearly 250 hours of testing. In addition to Profile interoperability tests, all ONVIF clients had the opportunity to test using the ONVIF Device/Client Test Tool. From there, attendees were able to discuss with Test Tool developers any issues that arose during conformance testing.

“The continued level of engagement from our member companies at what’s now our 20th Developers’ Plugfest showcases the importance of interoperability to the industry at large,” said Per Björkdahl, chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “As new Profiles are developed to meet ever-changing market needs, it’s more important than ever for companies to collaborate and exchange ideas to create the best new conformant technologies possible.”

ONVIF Developers’ Plugfests are held twice each year around the world to enable the global ONVIF membership to gather for testing of their implementations. The next Developers’ Plugfest is scheduled to be held this coming November in Rome.

Per Björkdahl: chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee

Founded in 2008, ONVIF is an industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 13,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for basic streaming video, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming.

ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

*Further information about ONVIF-conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org