As buildings become smarter and more connected, traditional security systems can no longer keep up with the demands of modern occupancy, safety, and operational efficiency. Enter AI surveillance — a technology that goes far beyond passive camera feeds to become an active, intelligent guardian of smart buildings. By integrating an AI surveillance system with access control, organisations can enhance security, streamline entry processes, and create safer, more responsive spaces.

From corporate campuses and residential towers to hospitals and retail complexes, building managers are rethinking how they protect people and property. Rather than relying on manual monitoring or static badge in systems, AI enabled video surveillance can analyse behavior in real time, verify identities, and trigger automated responses — all while maintaining smooth access for authorised users.

Interestingly, this technology isn’t a niche anymore. According to a study by Grand View Research, adoption of AI in video surveillance market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 30.6% from 2025 to 2030, reflecting robust interest and increasing deployments across sectors. This growing adoption underscores how powerful and practical intelligent video systems have become in real world environments.

Why AI Surveillance Matters for Smart Buildings

Smart buildings are designed to be efficient, user friendly, and secure. But as connectivity and automation increase, so do security challenges — from tailgating (unauthorised entry following an authorised person) to spoofed access credentials or unauthorised access to sensitive floors. Traditional access control systems that rely solely on keycards or PIN codes can be vulnerable, especially when cards are lost or shared.

An AI surveillance system adds a proactive layer of protection by continuously analysing video feeds and correlating them with access events. This allows buildings to move from reactive to predictive security.

For example:

• Facial recognition integration: Instead of just scanning badges, AI surveillance can compare live video with authorised user databases. This dual verification improves accuracy and reduces risk of forged credentials.

• Tailgating detection: By observing entrances in real time, intelligent video systems can flag when more than one person enters on a single badge scan, alerting security or temporarily locking doors to prevent breach.

• Suspicious behavior analysis: AI can detect unusual loitering around restricted entrances or access attempts outside of normal business hours, prompting automated alerts or lockdown protocols.

These capabilities not only increase safety — they also help building managers respond faster and more effectively to risks.

Enhancing User Experience — Not Just Security

One reason AI surveillance systems are gaining widespread engagement is that they don’t just protect spaces — they enhance the overall building experience. With smart algorithms monitoring patterns over time, buildings can automate processes that improve convenience as well as safety.

For example:

• Touchless entry: Especially relevant in post pandemic environments, AI surveillance enables seamless, touch free access that recognises individuals by face or gesture, reducing physical contact and improving hygiene.

• Occupancy analytics: AI can count people in real time, helping facilities optimise elevator call logic, heating/cooling systems, and crowd control during peak hours — all without compromising privacy.

• Adaptive access policies: Using historical data, intelligent systems can learn patterns (e.g., who enters at what time) and automatically adjust building systems for improved efficiency and responsiveness.

These types of features resonate with both security teams and everyday building users, driving adoption beyond just the security department and into operations and facilities management.

Real World Use Cases Driving Engagement

Here are some examples of how organisations are integrating AI surveillance into smart buildings today:

• Corporate Campuses

Large enterprises deploy AI surveillance systems at entry gates and interior checkpoints, combining video analytics with access control to protect sensitive floors (like R&D labs or data centres) while enabling seamless employee movement.

• High End Residential Buildings

Luxury residential towers are using AI surveillance to provide residents with secure, touchless entry and package area monitoring — enhancing both safety and lifestyle appeal.

• Healthcare Facilities

Hospitals and clinics integrate AI in video surveillance to guard restricted areas (like pharmacy zones) and monitor visitor check ins, improving patient safety and compliance with regulations.

• Retail Complexes with Integrated Access Zones

Retail hubs and mixed use buildings use AI surveillance to secure private office spaces while managing public foot traffic, ensuring that both shoppers and tenants enjoy a secure, efficient environment.

Looking Ahead

As smart buildings continue to evolve, the integration of AI in video surveillance with access control will become standard practice rather than an optional upgrade. Advances in machine learning, edge processing, and sensor fusion will further refine how intelligent systems interpret complex behaviors — helping buildings that are not only smarter but safer and more efficient.