Video Security: The Foundation of Future Cities

We find ourselves immersed in an era of profound changes, witnessing the impact of digitization in every aspect of our lives. In this transformative process that bridges cultures and connects communities, trust in technology emerges as an essential ally in addressing various challenges.

In this scenario, it is forecasted that by 2050, the world's population will reach 9 billion people, with an estimated 70% living in urban areas, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Latin America is the most urbanized developing region on the planet, with 8 out of every 10 people living in cities. Between 1950 and 2014, Latin America urbanized at an unprecedented rate, increasing its urban population from 50% to 80%, a figure expected to reach 86% by 2050, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). This exponential demographic growth in Latin American cities also brings an exponential increase in security challenges.

In Mexico, four cities with the potential to become examples of smart cities have been identified, according to the IDB: Queretaro, with its project in Maderas; Ciudad Creativa Digital and Tequila Inteligente in Jalisco; and Smart City in Puebla. The study Smart Cities 2021, conducted by the Institute for Management Development (IMD) in collaboration with other organizations, highlights Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Medellin,Colombia, as smart cities in the region. Evaluation criteria include aspects such as air quality, access to healthcare and affordable housing, internet connectivity, the availability of public Wi-Fi access points, as well as public safety through closed-circuit television or video systems.

Although the concept of smart cities can have different interpretations, its essence revolves around the use of innovation and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to enhance the administration and delivery of various services. In this context, we are convinced that a smart city should prioritize intelligence for the safety of its citizens.

Technology provides intelligence, and this brings about more effective and rapid police and emergency management, ultimately translating into saving lives. Today, it is already possible to have a cutting-edge technology ecosystem in a city composed of voice and video solutions, devices, software, and services that collect data from multiple sources and unify it to advance toward intelligence-based public safety. The use of video cameras  powered by artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly prominent, providing a real-time 360° view and enabling instant information transmission from various sources.

AI has continuously growing potential and has transformed the way we perceive technology. Its application in video security systems, both fixed and mobile, has significantly improved accuracy and operational power, enabling advanced analysis, track monitoring, and rapid responses. This technology can also be implemented in the cloud and seamlessly integrated with a variety of point-to-point solutions, such as appearance or vehicle of interest searches, focusing attention for quicker searches, and license plate recognition analysis, providing exceptional capability to identify vehicles and tracks in real time.

Despite remarkable advancements, the integration of this technology still has substantial room for growth in the Latin American region. It is essential to have leadership that directs resources toward long-term initiatives, fostering collaboration to establish strong technological infrastructure foundations in our nations. Fortunately, innovative and highly effective solutions are not in short supply.

Body-worn cameras capture impartial and real-time evidence, optimizing operational efficiency and facilitating investigations. Additionally, these tools are crucial for behavioral analysis, event monitoring, and service provision, enhancing transparency and on-field performance, and thus promoting citizen trust. The collected information remains highly secure and controlled.

The implementation of virtual agents through fixed cameras in strategic locations extends monitoring capacity, significantly reducing response times and improving incident prevention effectiveness. Motorola Solutions' video cameras comply with Article 889 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), highlighting the company's ongoing commitment to advancing technologies that protect supply chains and national networks from security threats.

In this context, Motorola Solutions has invested US$6 billion since 2015 in video acquisitions, software, data analytics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation to enhance situation awareness and decision-making for public safety agencies, emergencies, and critical businesses.

Ultimately, video security emerges as a powerful tool in the digital transformation process and the construction of smart cities. Its ability to prevent and deter crime, improve incident management and response, and promote a safe and sustainable environment is undeniable. However, its implementation must be carried out ethically and responsibly, ensuring a balance between security and privacy. As a society, it is crucial to embrace these innovations and collaborate in building a safer and more connected future.