Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology, the world leader in surveillance camera systems, is growing rapidly by exploiting its close ties to the Chinese government and tapping demand among countries strengthening anti-terrorism measures. As monitoring technologies increase in sophistication, Hikvision is forging into the field of mobile surveillance, such as with robots and drones. It partnered this year with such international technology players as American chipmaker Intel and German software developer SAP in hopes of improving its product offerings.
“We plan to provide Shenzhen’s traffic police with services that use artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technology,” said CEO Hu Yangzhong at a ceremony marking the opening of a joint laboratory with public security authorities in the city. Moving beyond surveillance cameras, Hikvision is offering systems for capturing the license plate numbers of moving vehicles. Coinciding with the opening of the new lab, it is introducing new technology for recognizing drivers’ faces and big-data analysis, aiming to improve safety in the transportation field.
Hikvision’s deep ties to the central government are a major strength on the home front. Hikvision has also set up a joint lab with security authorities in its home of Hangzhou. Domestic sales are jumping as Chinese authorities install more surveillance systems. Hikvision cameras were used at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, as well as last year’s Group of 20 summit meetings in Hangzhou.
