While AI, cloud, and cyber security remain central themes, 2025 marked the point where these technologies increasingly shifted from conceptual discussions to practical deployments. End users now expect tangible improvements that simplify daily work, cut unnecessary costs, and help them make decisions faster.

“AI is no longer a theoretical discussion between manufacturers, integrators, and end users. While many AI-powered cameras have been sold, in 2025 we saw meaningful gains in accuracy and usability as more users explored the capabilities of what the technology could achieve for their unique requirements. The next phase is about ensuring the technology is deployed responsibly, efficiently, and with the right training behind it,” said Gerard Figols, Chief Operating Officer at I-Pro.

Generative AI arrives at the edge

A key prediction for 2026 is the emergence of generative AI running directly on the edge. Improvements in processing hardware now allow models to learn and refine themselves directly on-device instead of relying solely on server or cloud infrastructure. This model significantly reduces bandwidth demands and avoids the steep cost associated with cloud-only analysis, which can reach hundreds of dollars per camera per month when done at scale.

By keeping real-time analysis and self-learning at the edge while using the cloud only where it adds value, organisations can improve performance without overspending.

This shift also aligns with how operators now use video systems. The traditional timeline-centric, reactive approach to forensic analysis is fading. Alerts, automated detection, and metadata-driven search using natural language are becoming the primary tools for proactive analysis. Raw video becomes a reference point rather than the cornerstone of every inquiry, while metadata increasingly becomes the operational source of truth.

Education becomes a core industry requirement

The pace of change in AI, IT convergence, and cyber security is exceeding the industry’s available expertise and capacity. 2026 will be the year integrators treat education as a strategic investment, not an optional extra.

“Anyone can mount an AI camera. That does not mean it will perform. The market needs deeper understanding and repeatable best practices. Education is how we improve outcomes and build long-term trust,” said Figols.

New recurring revenue opportunities for integrators

With AI models evolving continuously and cyber security requiring continued vigilance, integrators will see new service-based revenue opportunities. I-Pro expects recurring maintenance contracts to become a major revenue growth driver, covering tasks such as ongoing system updates, security hardening, and AI-algorithm refinement and evolution.

“Technology does not stand still. Integrators who support continuous updates and lifecycle management will strengthen their customer relationships and generate new value,” said Figols.

Cyber security remains the industry’s most urgent priority

I-Pro believes that cyber security will remain one of the physical security industry’s most pressing challenges in 2026. Cyber security underpins every part of today’s physical security ecosystems. It is the baseline requirement that allows organisations to adopt new technologies, from AI to cloud-based services, with confidence. This focus aligns with I-Pro’s commitment to ethical, transparent AI governance and its achievement of the ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the first global standard for AI management systems.

“Cyber security underpins the entire technology stack. Trust and data integrity are the prerequisites for deploying AI and cloud capabilities with confidence and piece of mind,” said Figols.