Axis Communications, maker of network video and access control solutions, announced its first body worn camera during a virtual press breakfast Wednesday in lieu of a live event that was planned for ISC West, now rescheduled for July due to the coronavirus crisis.
Designed for initial use by law enforcement and private security with a battery designed to last a full 12-hour shift, the solution includes the camera itself (AXIS W100 Body Worn Camera), the camera docking station (AXIS W700 Docking Station, 1-bay/AXIS W701 Docking Station, 8-bay), and the system controller (AXIS W800 System Controller). Designed on an open system architecture, the body worn solution can integrate with other video management systems (VMS) and evidence management systems (EMS), including those from Axis itself.
Openness is one of Axis’ core values, co-founder Martin Gren told the virtual attendees, and was a key element in the system’s development over the past two and a half years.
Also in keeping with Axis’ modus operandi, Gren continued, the body worn camera was developed to meet the needs of the channel. “We always design new products with partners and the ecosystem in mind,” he said, adding that customers were expressing “a very strong interest” in a body cam.
Because the integration API is based on open standards “partners don’t need special skills,” said Fredrik Andersson, Axis global product manager. He said the integration API will be included in the application development partner program with a full set of documentation.
The solution “will give us a lot of potential to grow,” Andersson said, both through existing customers and new ones. In addition to law enforcement and private security applications, Andersson said the firm anticipates the market expanding to retail, logistics, and healthcare. The move into wearables “connects to our vision for innovating for a smarter and safer world,” he added.
The camera captures video up to 1080p at 30fps and audio through dual microphones for noise suppression capabilities. Wide dynamic range technology is employed to guarantee image quality in even the most challenging light conditions, while Zipstream for body worn reduces the storage demands.
The docking station and the system controller are separate units. The system is scalable for large and cost-efficient body worn systems. The system controller provides a single integration and management point and allows for fast and reliable video offloading (100Mbit per camera). All data is encrypted both at rest and in transfer using AES256 and TLS. In addition, video data can be fully end-to-end encrypted with specific integrations.
The camera also features a built-in GPS/GNSS receiver for location tracking, Bluetooth Low Energy 4.1,802.1.1b/g/n Wi-Fi, and a six-axis gyro and accelerometer.
The Axis body worn solution can be used with a third-party VMS and EMS, on premises, or in the cloud, allowing for integration with other video surveillance data. Additionally, the AXIS Body Worn Assistant mobile application allows users to review footage and add categories, descriptions, and notes.
Available through Axis’ standard distribution channels in Q2, the camera is priced at $649 MSRP with a three-year warranty. “We’ve done a lot of testing with this camera and know it can take a lot of hits,” Andersson said. “It was built to match the needs of law enforcement.”
Image: Courtesy of Axis
