Many security integrators think consumer technology doesn’t really apply to their business; however, a quick walk of a security industry trade show will reveal dozens of products – from 4K cameras and displays, to home automation, to next-generation sensors, to drones and anti-drone technologies, to fire/life safety and aging in place technolgies, and more – that were basically born on the CES show floor.
CES is the annual look at much of what’s to come in our industry, and the 2020 event (Jan. 7-10 in Las Vegas) surely will not disappoint.
Security Business has been at the forefront of reporting these technology trends in the security industry for years (be sure to check out each of our February issues for the CES security technology recap) – because it is vitally important for our industry to pay close attention to the news coming from this show.
As a preview for what’s in store in 2020, I spoke with a handful of scheduled exhibitors.
Mitchell Klein, Executive Director of the Z-Wave Alliance (booth 41917), encourages attendees to come see the newly updated Z-Wave Pavilion, featuring new products from vendors, and the popular Z-Wave Experience house, providing a hands-on opportunity for Z-Wave products working together, “showcasing multi-brand smart home functionality and interoperability at work in a live setting.”
Klein adds that many Alliance vendor partners will exhibit products for the new Z-Wave 700 platform. “Here’s what’s cool about that – think sensors that are smaller, with longer-distance communications, and a 10-year (minimum) battery life,” Klein says. “This will save truck rolls...with products that are a bit easier to hide from view.”
Klein also says to be on the lookout for innovations in a traditional security technology category: Door locks.
“This is a rapidly growing category with big growth expectations over the next few years,” Klein says. “I know the big, popular brands are showing new products all the time; however, there are many more brands developing unique aesthetics and entry capabilities (wireless, GPS tracking, etc.), and products that fit less-common installations and door styles.”
Speaking of access control, I heard from CES exhibitor Seco-Larm, which will be in booth 40631 showcasing a new Bluetooth-controlled keypad. The keypad is programmed through a smartphone app that enables users to set codes and release times visually as opposed to entering the information through the keypad itself.
Alarm.com is no stranger to the CES show floor, and the company told me that whole home and business protection will be a greater focus at the 2020 expo. “What additional problems can we help home and business owners solve is one of the questions Alarm.com is working to help our service partners answer,” a company spokesperson explained.
That’s just a taste of what will be buzzing on the show floor. From a trends and learning perspective, expect smart homes, smart cities, 5G, AI and robotics to be grabbing a ton of headlines at the show as well.
In home automation, the Consumer Technology Association says the focus on the Internet of Things (IoT) is shifting to the “Intelligence of Things,” as artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly embedded in smart home devices. As for 5G, we have written in the past about its potential in the security industry, but it bears repeating – there is a reason this technology is being called the harbinger of the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.”
Other familiar security exhibitors at CES who should have big news include ADT, Bosch, Ring, August Home, Resideo, First Alert, Gentex, Kwikset, Legrand, Essence – and plenty more that you may or may not have heard of. Don’t miss what’s next!
Paul Rothman is Editor-in-Chief of Security Business magazine. Email your comments/questions to [email protected].
