Jeevan ThankappanInterview with Walid Lahoud, Head of Operations MENA, ATERMES
What are the key objectives ATERMES aims to achieve by opening its regional headquarters in the UAE?
By establishing its regional headquarters in the UAE, ATERMES aims to achieve several key objectives: strengthening its strategic presence in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to better serve local markets, enhancing proximity to key customers and partners for more responsive and tailored solutions, expanding market reach and increasing market share in the defense and security sectors, and creating a hub for innovation and collaboration with local entities to foster technological advancements.
What opportunities do you see in the defense and security sectors in the Middle East and North Africa?
The MENA region presents significant opportunities in the defense and security sectors. Governments in the region are increasing their defense budgets to address evolving security threats, driving demand for advanced surveillance and security technologies to modernize existing infrastructure. Enhanced border security measures are required to combat smuggling, terrorism, and illegal immigration. Additionally, there is a growing investment in public safety technologies to ensure the protection of citizens and critical infrastructure.
Can you describe some of ATERMES’ latest innovations in surveillance systems?
One of ATERMES’ most notable innovations in surveillance systems is the SURICATE smart surveillance camera. SURICATE represents a breakthrough in cutting-edge optronics, equipped with one of the best thermal and day camera in terms of Performance along with embedded AI and edge computing capabilities. This advanced camera system leverages edge AI to perform real-time data processing and analysis directly on the device, significantly reducing latency and enhancing operational efficiency. SURICATE’s high-performance optronics and intelligent algorithms enable it to deliver unparalleled detection and tracking capabilities, making it a vital tool for modern security operations.
How do these new surveillance technologies differentiate ATERMES from its competitors?
ATERMES differentiates its surveillance technologies through several innovative and unique features.
Firstly, the integration of advanced AI directly into the SURICATE camera system sets ATERMES apart from competitors. This embedded AI enables real-time detection, analysis, and classification of objects with exceptional precision. Unlike traditional systems that rely on external processing, SURICATE’s edge AI processes data locally, providing faster response times and heightened operational efficiency. This capability ensures superior performance, especially in critical applications requiring immediate decision-making.
Secondly, SURICATE offers unparalleled image quality through its cutting-edge optronics with thermal and day-view imaging. Using aptly both channels enhances image richness and detail, significantly improving the AI’s ability to detect, classify, identify, and analyze objects under varying lighting and environmental conditions. By combining thermal and visual spectrums, SURICATE can effectively operate in both low-light and high-glare scenarios, offering reliable surveillance in challenging environments.
Thirdly, ATERMES provides highly customizable and scalable solutions. The SURICATE system can be tailored to meet specific client requirements, ensuring that it seamlessly integrates with existing infrastructures and technologies. Its modular design allows for scalability, making it adaptable for both small-scale and large-scale deployments, depending on the security needs of the client.
Moreover, ATERMES emphasizes reliability and durability, designing its technologies to withstand the harsh environmental conditions prevalent in the MENA region. This focus on robustness ensures consistent performance over time, even in extreme temperatures, sandstorms, or high humidity.
Finally, ATERMES excels in delivering a comprehensive surveillance solution that combines adaptability, advanced imaging, and AI-driven capabilities. This holistic approach enables clients to achieve superior situational awareness and enhanced security, making ATERMES a standout leader in the surveillance industry.
What role do advanced technologies like AI and machine learning play in ATERMES’ surveillance systems?
Advanced technologies such as AI and machine learning play crucial roles in ATERMES’ surveillance systems. They enhance detection by improving the accuracy and speed of threat identification and classification. A unique aspect of SURICATE, one of ATERMES’ systems, is its customer-driven learning capability, allowing customers to provide deep learning inputs, which enhances the system’s performance over time. As customers use SURICATE and classify detected objects, the system continuously learns and improves its accuracy. Additionally, these technologies automate routine surveillance tasks, reducing human error and increasing efficiency. They facilitate real-time monitoring and analysis, enabling rapid response to security incidents, and integrate data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive and coherent security picture.
How do you see the role of technology evolving in the defense and security industries over the next few years?
The role of AI in ATERMES’ surveillance systems is set to revolutionize the defense and security industries in the coming years. ATERMES’ AI technology, exemplified by SURICATE, represents the future of surveillance with its ability to learn and adapt through customer interaction. This continuous learning process ensures that the technology remains at the cutting edge, improving detection capabilities and operational efficiency over time. The integration of AI will drive significant advancements in automation, real-time threat analysis, and predictive security measures, solidifying ATERMES’ position as a leader in the defense and security sectors.
