Artificial intelligence in the security sector

Artificial intelligence is emerging as a key driver of innovation in the security sector. Whilst armed forces around the world are testing
(semi-)autonomous systems, AI is already transforming physical security and cyber defence in businesses, critical infrastructure facilities and public authorities. The developments currently shaping the market will be showcased at events including Security Essen 2026 and the Euro Defence Expo (EUDEX), which takes place in parallel, where manufacturers will present new applications for civil and military security tasks.

In the space of just a few years, artificial intelligence has evolved from a specialised application into a key strategic technology. The rapid development of powerful language models, neural networks and self-learning systems is transforming not only business processes and industrial applications, but increasingly the security sector as well. The spectrum ranges from intelligent surveillance systems and automated threat analysis to autonomous drones and cyber defence platforms.

The particular strength of AI lies in its ability to analyse large volumes of data almost in real time and to identify patterns that would be virtually impossible to detect using traditional rule-based systems. This results in significantly more accurate situational assessments, enabling risks to be identified at an earlier stage and security measures to be implemented in a more targeted manner. This capability is becoming increasingly important, particularly in the context of hybrid threats – where physical attacks, sabotage, cyber-attacks and disinformation are intertwined.

Consequently, manufacturers worldwide are investing in AI-based security solutions. The pace of innovation now shaping both civilian and military applications is exemplified at Security Essen 2026 and EUDEX 2026. Both events highlight that AI is no longer regarded as a stand-alone technology, but is increasingly permeating all areas of modern security architectures.

AI in civil security

Whilst military developments often make the headlines, the real mass market is currently to be found in the civil security sector. Physical security and cybersecurity, in particular, are benefiting from the new possibilities. In physical security, AI is increasingly becoming a central component of modern security platforms. The trend is towards using AI to link different security disciplines, thereby extracting more value from existing data. Modern security platforms combine video surveillance, access control, intruder detection and building management. AI analyses the data collectively and identifies correlations that would otherwise remain hidden from individual systems.

Video and access control as a holistic process

The line-up of exhibitors at Security Essen 2026 demonstrates just how far this development has now progressed. For example, Advancis Software & Services (Hall 8, Stand 8A15/8B15) showcases its WinGuard security and incident management platform together with the Advancis Open Platform (AOP) as the foundation for modern, interconnected security processes. More than 550 interfaces enable information from video surveillance, access control, fire detection systems, building automation and other security-related systems to be consolidated into a single common operating picture. This creates a reliable and consistent data foundation on which AI-supported applications can fully realise their potential. Only when information from different sources is structured and available in real time can correlations be identified more quickly and well-founded decisions be made. The added value lies in improved event assessment, fewer false alarms and the targeted support of control centres and security managers through context-based information and prioritised recommendations for action.

At the same time, video surveillance is increasingly evolving from mere documentation towards intelligent, AI-supported sensor technology. Ajax Systems (Hall 7, Stand 7C19) utilises AI-based person, vehicle and animal detection directly at the edge in its latest cameras. This helps to reduce false alarms and unnecessary event recordings. Dallmeier electronic (Hall 5, Stand 5B19) takes a holistic approach to AI-powered video analysis, in which objects, movement patterns and security-related events are automatically detected and assessed. airis:net (Hall 5, Stand 5C25.19) is pursuing a similar focus; its computer vision solutions analyse video data in real time and are used, amongst other things, for perimeter protection, critical infrastructure and applications in public spaces. This transforms conventional cameras into intelligent sensors that assist security personnel in assessing situations and can efficiently monitor large areas.

Access control, too, is increasingly becoming a data-driven component of modern security architectures. Salto Systems (Hall 6, Stand 6B27) is expanding its cloud-based access solutions to include intelligent analysis of access events and usage patterns. This enables unusual access attempts or security-related anomalies to be detected more quickly, and security processes to be adapted according to the situation.

AI is thus increasingly becoming the central hub that consolidates information from various security systems and translates it into specific recommendations for action.

AI in fire safety: from alarm systems to prevention

Artificial intelligence is also increasingly becoming a key technology in fire safety. Whilst traditional fire alarm systems primarily respond to smoke, heat or flame sensors, AI-supported systems enable critical situations to be assessed at a much earlier stage. Modern video analytics detect smoke development, open flames or unusual temperature patterns at an early stage and can support the alerting process accordingly. At the same time, intelligent systems continuously analyse data from building services, thermal cameras and IoT infrastructures to identify potential risks even before a fire breaks out.

This development is also reflected at Security Essen 2026. For example, Hekatron (Hall 7, Stand 7D38) uses intelligent algorithms to analyse sensor data more accurately, reduce false alarms and provide proactive support for maintenance processes. The focus is thus shifting increasingly from mere alarm triggering towards preventive risk mitigation. For operators of critical infrastructure, industrial companies and emergency services in particular, this combination of intelligent sensor technology and AI opens up new possibilities for early risk detection and hazard prevention.

Cybersecurity: AI as a tool for attack and defence

Cybersecurity is influenced by AI even more so than physical security. This is fuelling an escalating technological arms race between attackers and defenders. Cybercriminals are already using AI to create deceptively authentic phishing emails, deepfakes and automated attack campaigns. Language models enable the generation of professional-quality text in almost any language. This significantly lowers the barriers to entry for attackers. At the same time, defenders are also turning to AI. Modern security platforms continuously analyse network traffic, user behaviour and system activities. Anomalies can be detected much more quickly than with traditional rule-based methods. Research shows that AI-powered systems can sometimes identify attacks within a matter of minutes, whilst conventional methods often take hours or days. At Security Essen 2026, Rohde & Schwarz (Hall 6, Stand 6C39), among others, will be addressing the topic of cybersecurity in its solutions for public safety, such as highly secure encryption technologies.

The field of agentic AI is developing particularly rapidly. This refers to AI agents that can process chains of tasks independently. In cyber defence, such systems monitor networks, analyse incidents, isolate compromised endpoints and document measures almost autonomously. Experts regard this as one of the most important trends of the coming years. At the same time, the importance of AI in cloud environments is growing. Companies are increasingly running their applications in a distributed manner across various platforms. AI helps to detect misconfigurations, monitor access and automatically identify suspicious activity.

However, new risks are also emerging. Attackers are deliberately attempting to manipulate AI models or train them using flawed data. These so-called adversarial AI attacks are now regarded as a distinct category of threat. Furthermore, data protection, transparency and the traceability of algorithmic decisions continue to raise numerous questions.

The military: From decision-making assistant to autonomous system

The armed forces of the US, China, Europe and other countries are currently investing billions in AI-powered defence technologies. The focus is no longer merely on the automation of individual processes. Rather, the aim is to accelerate military decision-making cycles. A key trend is what is known as ‘Decision Intelligence’. Modern AI systems simultaneously analyse data from satellites, reconnaissance drones, radar systems, communications networks and open sources. This information is used to generate situational awareness almost in real time, which serves as a basis for decision-making by military command staff. At the same time, autonomous warfare is gaining in importance. The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the role that drones now play on the battlefield. However, current developments go far beyond remote-controlled systems. AI is increasingly enabling autonomous navigation, target detection and mission planning. Swarm drones can coordinate tasks collectively and react to changes without every individual action having to be controlled by an operator.

Particular emphasis is being placed on so-called ‘human-machine teaming’ concepts. In this context, AI assists human soldiers with the analysis of sensor data, target identification and tactical planning. Humans remain the formal decision-makers, whilst the machine processes enormous amounts of data and provides recommendations for action. Another trend concerns logistics. Military organisations are increasingly using AI for predictive maintenance of vehicles, aircraft and ships. Sensors continuously record operational data, whilst algorithms calculate probabilities of failure. This enables maintenance work to be carried out before critical faults occur.

Manufacturers at EUDEX 2026 are demonstrating just how quickly these developments are now being translated into market-ready solutions. Numerous exhibitors are presenting AI applications for reconnaissance, sensor technology and unmanned systems. ARX Robotics (Hall 4, Stand 4C35), for example, is developing autonomous unmanned ground vehicles in which AI supports navigation, sensor fusion and mission planning. In the field of CBRN defence, AIRSENSE Analytics (Hall 4, Stand 4D12.F5) combines chemical sensor technology with AI to identify hazardous substances in real time and provide emergency services with reliable information more quickly. Furthermore, at EUDEX, other manufacturers are focusing on AI-supported reconnaissance, intelligent sensor systems and autonomous platforms, thereby highlighting just how closely civilian and military innovation cycles are now intertwined.

Despite all the technological advances, however, autonomous weapon systems remain the subject of intense ethical and legal debate. International organisations have been discussing potential regulations for so-called Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems (LAWS) for years. Regardless of the outcome of this discussion, however, it is considered certain that AI will have a significant impact on military development in the coming years and will give rise to numerous technologies that will subsequently find their way into civilian security applications.

Conclusion: AI is becoming a core technology for modern security

The development of artificial intelligence marks a profound transformation in almost every area of the security sector. Military applications are currently driving many innovations – from autonomous drones and AI-supported situational awareness to intelligent command and weapon systems. Many of these technologies are already finding their way into civilian applications. In physical security, AI is evolving from an analytical tool into an active support system for security organisations. Video analytics, drones, audio recognition and integrated security platforms are creating new opportunities for prevention and situational assessment. At the same time, AI is fundamentally transforming cybersecurity. Automated threat detection, predictive analytics and autonomous security agents are significantly increasing response speeds. Ultimately, AI will play an increasingly central role for both criminal actors and state actors.