One of the survey’s key takeaways is that thermal imaging remains the most sought-after technology among respondents
The security industry is seeing a rise in the adoption of non-visible light technologies, including thermal imaging, audio detection, millimetre radar, and X-ray systems. These advanced tools are being recognised for their ability to complement traditional visible light cameras, particularly in environments where standard systems struggle, such as in low-light conditions or through obstructions like smoke and fog.
A recent survey conducted by asmag.com in collaboration with Hikvision explored the use and potential of these cutting-edge technologies. The findings reveal an optimistic outlook for their growth, while also shedding light on the challenges and future trends shaping their adoption.
One of the survey’s key takeaways is that thermal imaging remains the most sought-after technology among respondents. Sixty-one per cent indicated plans to invest in thermal systems, driven by their effectiveness in perimeter security and night surveillance. Millimetre radar followed at 48 per cent, with growing interest in its applications for traffic management and crowd monitoring. Audio detection (45 per cent) and X-ray systems (37 per cent) are also gaining attention for their diverse use cases.
The potential for these technologies over the next five years looks promising, with 92 per cent of respondents anticipating moderate to significant growth in thermal imaging. Similarly, audio detection and millimetre radar are projected to expand as industries look for solutions that perform in complex and high-risk environments. Millimetre radar, in particular, is expected to see substantial growth, with its current adoption at 29 per cent but set to rise to nearly half of respondents in the near future.
Despite this positive outlook, several barriers remain. High costs were cited as the primary challenge by 70 per cent of respondents. For instance, advanced thermal cameras can range from USD 1,000 to USD 10,000, compared to more affordable conventional cameras priced at USD 30 to USD 100. X-ray systems are even costlier, with prices starting at around USD 50,000 and climbing into the millions for sophisticated models.
Technical complexity is another hurdle, highlighted by 49 per cent of respondents. Many organisations find the integration of these advanced systems with existing setups to be a daunting task. Regulatory requirements, particularly for X-ray systems, also add to the difficulty, with adopters needing to comply with stringent guidelines and certifications.
When asked about factors that could drive adoption, return on investment (ROI) emerged as a critical motivator. Demonstrating the effectiveness of these technologies through real-world case studies was identified as another key strategy to build trust and confidence among users. Customer demand, new applications, and technological advancements were also seen as important catalysts for broader adoption.
Respondents emphasised the importance of integration in unlocking the full potential of non-visible light technologies. Combining these systems with traditional visible light cameras or with other advanced tools can lead to more efficient and effective solutions. For example, pairing millimetre radar with thermal cameras has been suggested to enhance traffic management capabilities.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics are also expected to play a transformative role. Features like automatic event detection and AI-powered audio edge detection can significantly improve monitoring systems by identifying security threats or safety incidents in real time. Respondents believe that integrating AI with non-visible light technologies will drive adoption further by adding intelligence and precision to security operations.
While the high costs and technical challenges may deter some users, the survey highlights the growing recognition of the value these technologies bring to the table. As more success stories emerge, and as manufacturers work to simplify deployment and reduce costs, non-visible light technologies are set to become indispensable in addressing modern security challenges.
In conclusion, thermal imaging, audio detection, millimetre radar, and X-ray systems represent a new frontier in security innovation. Their ability to perform where traditional cameras fail makes them critical for high-risk environments and complex applications. With a clear focus on integration, ROI, and technological advancements, the future of these technologies appears bright, offering new possibilities for enhancing safety and efficiency in the security industry.
