For homes with lots of grounds, or commercial spaces, Turing Video has developed a security ‘bot. Nimbo uses artificial intelligence and Segway Robotics’ mobility platform, making it intelligent and affordable.
Nimbo can be pre-programmed to patrol specific routes or self-optimised routes while analysing human activities and surrounding environments to detect anomalies. The robot collects HD video evidence and sends notifications to security personnel including live video streaming to mobile devices.
With industry-leading sensors on board, such as Intel RealSense, the base provides stability and flexibility for indoor and outdoor use. Nimbo can also be switched to a mode that allows a security staff member to step on and ride it up to 11mph.
Robots are a reoccurring technology at CES and while most have been designed to assist with domestic tasks, such as clearing away, or switching on smart appliances, using in-built voice recognition software, some do incorporate security functions.
For example, Sony’s cute robotic Aibo dog, includes a camera in its nose, which can keep an eye on the home in the owner’s absence.
For a more cunning approach to ward off burglars and unwanted visitors, on display at CES was Kevin, an unobtrusive box, developed by Mitipi, that simulates the lights and noise of someone at home, such as the flickering blue light and noise of film being watched at night, a conversation in the kitchen, the shadow of someone walking around the living room.
The Kevin app allows the owner to choose between preset scenarios to pretend someone is home, including football on the TV, exercise and taking a shower. Those with more time to spend can enter details about their life and home to come up with their own situations. Kevin also doubles as a speaker.
Vivint is expanding the smart home security market with a unique offering.
Streety is a free mobile app that users can download come spring. Streety allows users to view live feeds and video clips of smart security cameras throughout an entire neighborhood.
Anyone with the app in the US and Canada will be able to view video feeds that are being shared to Streety.
With Streety, Vivint has developed a way for people to use the app for monitoring activity in neighbourhoods, sharing video clips to resolve any incidents that happen, and even watching a neighbour’s home in their absence.
To try to ensure that Streety is being used legitimately, rather than enable the general public with the means to spy, neighborhood boundaries are limited to a radius of 300 yards. A verification process from a third party confirms user identities match addresses they’re paired with.
Home security camera maker EZVIZ launched its first product for smart entry security at CES 2018.
Lookout Smart Door Viewer works with the company’s new ezGuard security camera, as well as with other EZVIZ products, plus Amazon’s Alexa.
Lookout and ezGuard form a smart home door entry video system that lets homeowners remotely view activity taking place outside the home, while also offering the ability to remotely unlock the door for trusted visitors.
Using the EZVIZ app, homeowners can create a gallery of people who can access to the home, a feature that deploys facial recognition technology to identify the person at the door.
ADT launched new smart home security products at the show, including its own proprietary video doorbell for the Pulse range and ADT Go, a family tracking app.
The camera will have a 180-degree field of view and 720p video, with a suggested retail price of $199 (£150).
Swann unveiled its own smart video doorbell. Initially the products will support voice-activated software, like Alexa and Google Assistant, and so-called smart home assistant platforms, such as Google Home and Amazon Echo.
Users will also be able to view security footage, recorded in HD, via streaming services such as Google Chromecast and Android TV.
SimplySmart Home developed its Cube wireless home security camera to simplify DIY security.
The Cube is a wire-free indoor/outdoor HD security camera that attaches to the wall easily. The camera communicates via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when it senses motion or voice. A doorbell module instructs the camera to record when someone rings it.
During CES Brinks launched smart light fixtures with built-in security cameras, which are designed to replace a home’s existing outdoor lighting.
A coach-style LED light is intended for front porches and a dual-head security light, also featuring a siren, is designed for gardens and side areas.
Ring, the company behind the Ring video doorbell, whose distributors include ADT, launched a home security ecosystem that comprises various products that include the battery-powered Stick Up Cam, which is compatible with the Ring Solar Panel Charger.
The weatherproof security camera works inside and outdoors and supports HD video, two-way audio, and has a built-in passive infrared motion sensors with zone detection.
During the show Canary introduced the Canary View indoor camera, which is essentially the same as its original, self-titled device. The only differences between the two cameras are their price tags. Also, View doesn’t support HomeHealth, which monitors the home’s temperature, humidity, and air quality.
View records footage in HD and costs $99, making it one of the cheapest available.
Canary also announced a new package detection software feature and a partnership with Amazon Alexa alerting users when it determines that a package is sitting outside. The feature is only available on the Flex.
Hanwha Techwin unveiled two new Wisenet cameras at CES. The N1, which retails at $150 and the N2, which costs $200, include 1080p HD resolution, facial recognition, 130-degree field of view and two-way audio.
From spring the two indoor cameras will also work with Amazon Echo.
The costlier N2 has a feature it calls ‘abnormal sound detection’, which sends a custom alert when it detects a specific sound, such as breaking glass of a crying baby.
Somfy Systems has entered the US smart home security market with the Somfy Outdoor Camera, which picked up the CES Innovation Award 2018.
The Somfy Outdoor Camera initially triggers a customised voice alert will play when an unexpected person enters into a specified zone. If the intruder does not leave within a pre-set time, the built-in siren will sound. The camera can distinguish human movement from other types of movement, such as that of a pet or a car.
The device offers 130-degree full HD vision, night vision, and 8x zoom.
Start-up Abode has added Iota to its range of home security products. Iota is an all-in-one system complete with a high-definition security camera and an integrated Z-Wave and Zigbee hub.
Iota is also compatible with Apple’s Siri-enabled smart home platform HomeKit, as well as Amazon’s Alexa and Google Assistant. Iota includes 1080p HD resolution and night vision.
A Z-Wave and Zigbee hub allows for automations with Philips Hue and other third-party smart home devices. Optional professional monitoring is also available. The system comes with a 10-hour battery backup.
Abode’s Iota will cost $329 when it becomes available in Q1.
