Face-recognition cameras and GPS tracking system for buses on show at Intersec

DUBAI // Face-recognition cameras and GPS-tracked school buses were among the security devices introduced on Monday at Intersec.

The cameras, which Panasonic plans to launch in the UAE this year, are linked to a database and can recognise and alert people to the presence of wanted criminals.

Noriyuki Hayashi, Panasonic’s senior sales manager of system solutions, said demand for security in the Middle East was rising amid increasing instability in some countries.

“People prefer more reliable and more advanced technology for such a high security-required market,” he said.

The system includes a database of up to 1,000 criminals. If they appear at specific places, the camera captures their face and compares it with the database.

If there is a match from the database, an alarm or text message is sent to the police.

Mr Noriyuki said Panasonic was expecting demand for such security equipment in the Middle East because of upcoming major events such as Expo 2020 and the World Cup in Qatar.

The company also plans to provide cameras in the cash-handling areas of UAE banks in the next three months.

Panasonic plans to launch an access-control system by the end of the year.

“It’s a total integration system for CCTV surveillance and a fire alarm to be used in commercial buildings, offices, hospitals and schools and it’s commonly required,” said Mr Noriyuki.

Separately, Sony showcased a GPS tracking system for school buses. The system, which will be operated via 3G or 4G networks, has as many as four cameras, a recorder and software to monitor the bus interior. The GPS is linked to a map that tracks the location of the bus at all times.

“It’s important for the safety of the children to see what’s really happening on a daily basis and to have evidence,” said Alvin Peh, Sony’s assistant manager in system engineering of visual security solutions. “It’s been implemented in London and Singapore buses are in the process, too.”