Amazon Web Services has introduced a novel hardware solution, the AWS Panorama Appliance. When used in conjunction with the AWS Panorama SDK, this device empowers existing on-site cameras with advanced computer vision capabilities, effectively upgrading them into highly capable surveillance systems.

Positioned as a solution for applications like quality inspection on production lines, verification of adherence to safety guidelines, and analysis of customer movement within retail environments, this new automated service aligns with the central focus of the current AWS re:Invent conference – comprehensive automation.

The Panorama Appliance is capable of processing video streams from both networked and network-compatible cameras, utilizing computer vision models created by organizations through Amazon SageMaker.

AWS anticipates making the Panorama SDK available in the near future, allowing hardware manufacturers to integrate Panorama functionality into their own devices.

Amazon has previously offered surveillance technologies to both developers and businesses. The company initially presented DeepLens in 2017, followed by its commercial release the subsequent year. This served as a platform for developers to construct and test machine learning models, while also allowing Amazon to explore various commercialization strategies for computer vision technologies.

As previously reported in 2018:

Amazon possesses considerable experience – and has faced related scrutiny – in the realm of machine learning technologies applied to video analysis. The company’s Rekognition software generated public demonstrations and objections, ultimately resulting in a temporary suspension of its deployment.

Furthermore, the company has explored integrating enhanced machine learning features into its Ring security cameras for consumer use.

Despite past challenges, demand from businesses for innovative machine learning-driven video recognition technologies remains strong, particularly for applications related to security, safety, and quality assurance. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the need for new protocols concerning building usage and occupancy, both to address the current situation and to prepare for future health crises.