How Thermal AI Cameras Fill the Gap for Remote Video Guarding

For security dealers, reducing false alarms and delivering high detection accuracy are key to business growth, increasing recurring monthly revenue (RMR), and taking on more complex security applications. Remote video guarding has become a trusted solution for preventing theft and securing outdoor assets, but its success depends on the reliability of the technology in use. Many dealers rely on visible AI cameras to detect intruders at sites like car dealerships, construction yards, and material storage areas. While effective in well-lit areas, these cameras can struggle to detect threats in dark, remote zones further away—leading to missed intrusions or an influx of false alarms that can overwhelm monitoring teams and drive up costs.

Thermal-based Artificial Intelligence (AI) cameras solve this challenge by delivering precise detection in complete darkness and at long distances, without requiring additional lighting infrastructure. By minimizing false alarms and improving detection accuracy, Thermal AI cameras enable monitoring teams to oversee more locations without adding staff, significantly increasing efficiency and profitability. This allows security dealers to secure more sites, provide a more reliable solution to customers, and unlock new revenue opportunities that were previously impractical due to technology limitations.

Extending Detection Range and Overcoming Lighting Limits with Thermal AI

Unlike visible cameras, thermal AI cameras work by sensing heat signatures, allowing them to detect intruders in total darkness and harsh weather conditions. When thermal cameras are equipped with thermal-based AI, they can also reliably classify detected objects with high reliability in the dark and over long distances—distinguishing between people, vehicles, animals, or irrelevant backgrounds, virtually eliminating false alarms. This results in a highly reliable detection system, enabling remote video services to operate more effectively for more situations.

Dual-spectrum thermal AI cameras take security to the next level by integrating both a thermal imager and a visible imager within the same enclosure. This combination provides the best of both worlds—thermal AI for long-range detection and false alarm reduction in complete darkness or adverse weather and visible AI for situations where there is enough lighting. Security operators also benefit from capturing color and detail to enhance real-time decision-making. By intelligently comparing thermal and visible AI detections, these cameras add an extra layer of AI-driven verification, improving accuracy, reducing false alarms, and delivering stronger overall security performance.

Applications for Comprehensive Protection:

Thermal AI cameras enable security providers to safeguard previously hard-to-secure areas such as:

• Construction Sites: Detect intruders 24/7 to prevent theft of equipment and materials.
• Industrial Facilities: Secure storage yards and loading docks against outdoor theft.
• Logistics & Transportation Hubs: Protect cargo and vehicles at trucking yards and distribution centers.
• Auto Dealerships: Address catalytic converter and tire theft with real-time alerts from outdoor lots.
• Substations, Solar Farms, & Energy Providers: Prevent theft of copper wiring and equipment, while ensuring uninterrupted service.
• Cannabis Grow Operations: Safeguard remote or rural grow sites from theft and vandalism.
• Equipment Rental Yards & Storage Facilities: Deter break-ins and theft at fenced sites housing high-value assets.

Enhancing Business Outcomes

By providing precise detection while minimizing false alarms, Thermal AI cameras empower security dealers to deliver more reliable protection, expand into new markets, and drive higher recurring revenue. Their ability to operate in complete darkness and at long distances allows dealers to secure challenging environments without added infrastructure costs. Additionally, because Thermal AI processes detection at the edge, it scales efficiently without the need for costly central station upgrades or complex software integrations—offering a powerful yet cost-effective solution for growing remote video guarding operations.

This blog was authored by Babak Shir, vice president of engineering for SightLogix.