By 2030, video technology will change our lives in ways we cannot imagine

Video technology has continually improved society in subtle and obvious ways. In the field of safety and security, modern video cameras can alert the police when a crime is being committed and instantly identify license plates of stolen cars. In addition, video technology is used to create heat maps to determine how well certain products are performing in a store, automate access to buildings, and more.

Development and innovation in the video technology industry is rapidly improving and advancing to meet modern demands. In fact, over the next decade, video technology will fundamentally improve the way we live and work. By 2030, we will enjoy exponential advances in video technology that will positively improve our cities, healthcare, education, and hospitality industries.

Of course, there is often confusion and ambiguity regarding the continued development of technology. Terminologies like the “Internet of Things” and “machine learning” can surprise people rather than inform them. It’s not always easy to understand how technological advances benefit us. With that in mind, here are some of the most promising ways video technology will improve society through 2030 and beyond:

Smart Cities: Go Greener

Today, 55% of the world’s population lives in cities. By 2050, almost seven out of ten people in the world will live in urban areas. Larger populations mean longer commutes in many cities — commuting in US cities has increased by an average of 20% since 1980, according to the US Census Bureau. Many smart cities are already using video cameras to monitor traffic, but in the future advanced video technology will go beyond surveillance to actually control and improve traffic flow and consequently reduce the impact of air pollution on the city’s environment.

Rather than adding more lanes, many smart cities are now exploring the concept of a walkable city: they use urban design to connect homes, workplaces, medical centers, schools, and retail stores with easily accessible paths for pedestrians and bicycles. This green solution not only improves air quality and people’s health, but could also reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions and noise pollution.

To build these walkable cities of the future, urban planners will use video technology to drive urban development. Using analytics integrated through data-driven video technology software, city managers will track usage of city parks or other areas that could be converted to pedestrian walkways. Using connected camera networks, video cameras will be able to map and identify areas for revitalization (e.g. parking garages that could be relocated underground to create more space for walkways). Video technology will help improve walkability and travel, and as a by-product it will also reduce traffic and pollution.

Healthcare: Video surgeries improve outcomes and reduce risk

Hospitals around the world face unique security challenges to keep their facilities safe, from parking lots to emergency rooms.

Today’s hospital security systems use video technology to protect people and property. But the hospitals of the future will look to video for help in performing precise remote surgeries. Using robotic surgical technology and advanced communication systems, surgeons and patients across the country are connected to achieve better surgical outcomes. In short, the most qualified surgeons are paired with patients as needed and operate from anywhere.

After the operation, the surgeon uses an app to conduct remote rounds to talk to the patient in the recovery room and check their vital signs. Ultimately, precise robotic surgeries performed by specialized surgeons could result in reduced length of stay and/or readmission. Video technology will dramatically improve the outcome of major medical events by matching the most qualified medical professional with the patient most in need.

In addition, cameras in the remote operating room will be integrated with the video management software, allowing it to record surgical procedures and collect data during the operation. The hospital can use the detailed recording of the procedure to train surgeons and OR staff.

Education: Supporting positive behavior in the classroom

Today’s schools are taking a more holistic approach to security, creating an environment where security tools work in real time across connected networks, sharing data and information with local law enforcement agencies to improve decision-making and incident response. But the video technology of the future could provide more than just security for students—it can help encourage positive behavior and achieve academic results.

Positive behavioral support is a proactive approach that schools use to improve school safety and behavior. This framework focuses on prevention rather than punishment by using universal behavioral support in the classroom, such as: B. reinforcing positive behavior, teaching social skills and providing targeted academic support. However, today’s process of developing classroom support structures can be time-consuming, as teachers must collect and record data manually.

Video technology can help reduce data collection workloads by automatically capturing video data from a classroom. When problematic behavior is identified, teachers and staff can respond with appropriate strategies or adjust behavioral or educational support to help students perform better on tests and at school overall.

Ultimately, video technology can help school administrators improve academic performance and reduce bullying and drug and alcohol use.

Hospitality: VIP service and sustainability through video technology

Many hotels use License Plate Recognition (LPR), access control, video analytics, and motion detection to track and prevent suspicious behavior on properties. But in about 10 years these security tools will be used for pleasure for a full VIP experience and protect guests.

In the future, when a rewards guest arrives, LPR will identify their vehicle and alert hotel staff to have the valet team greet the VIP by name. Since that special guest has already agreed to use biometrics for a smooth check-in and check-out process, facial recognition confirms the guest’s identity along with an access control that recognizes and “talks” to their cell phone and automatically the Hotel suite door opens as they approach him. Greeted by a virtual assistant integrated via video technology, the system asks the VIP if they would like a favorite drink delivered to their room via a hospitality robot.

The same technology is used to do more than just improve customer satisfaction and convenience. In the future, Internet of Things (IoT) technologies will be able to monitor water usage and temperature control, alerting hotel staff to garbage and recycling bins that require attention. Motion detectors automatically turn off lights or running water to save energy and provide data to the video management system. This data, in turn, helps hotel managers improve sustainability practices across the hotel.

Businesses are integrating video technology to streamline their operations

Video technology will help make society a better place for all of us to live in as it constantly evolves and advances. Many companies around the world are already using video technology in ways that go beyond security. Powered by data-driven video management software with intelligent video analytics, business leaders are now using video technology to streamline processes at every level. From being able to make buildings “smarter” to improving city operations, video technology is helping businesses and public leaders run their businesses efficiently — not to mention remotely.

In the future, leaders will use video technology to monitor indoor and outdoor air quality and track resource consumption to make the campus greener and more efficient, thereby reducing waste and pollution. You will use video technology in facilities with limited parking spaces to optimize parking for employees and customers, reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicle flow. They will use it to automate tedious manual processes, collecting and processing video data quickly and applying predictive problem solving.

Video technology will transform the way we live and work as it continues to evolve and become more embedded in our lives over the next decade.

Thomas Jensen is CEO of Milestone Systems.