AI-powered detection takes centre stage in 2026 by Phil Daniell, President- Europe, Building Automation, Honeywell
Commercial security is moving into a more intelligent and demanding phase. As organisations navigate a growing range of physical and digital risks, expectations around protection are changing fast. Rising threats to people and property, tighter regulatory scrutiny and persistent labour shortages are forcing businesses to rethink how they approach security. In response, the sector is shifting away from static, reactive models toward systems that can interpret situations, adapt to patterns and act in real time.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is poised to become a cornerstone of this transformation. In the UK operating environment, AI-driven commercial security is gaining urgency as organisations face increasingly complex risks. One key indicator of this trend is the rapid expansion of the UK cyber security sector, which the UK Government revealed generated an estimated £13.2 billion in revenue and employed around 67,300 people in 2024, a 12% and 11% increase respectively from the prior year. These figures illustrate how the demand for advanced digital defences, including AI-powered analytics, anomaly detection and automated incident triage, is part of a broader strategy to safeguard both data and physical assets.
AI is therefore no longer a supplementary feature within security systems. It is becoming a foundational capability that shapes how risks are identified, prioritised and addressed. As adoption accelerates, intelligent security platforms are enabling a more anticipatory approach to protection – one that is better aligned with the pace and complexity of modern operations.
From reaction to anticipation
Looking ahead to 2026, Honeywell anticipates decreasing reliance on traditional, incident-led security models. Historically, many organisations have relied on systems that respond only after an event has occurred. That approach is proving increasingly insufficient. Instead, AI-enabled security architectures are designed to prevent issues before they escalate, combining physical infrastructure with digital intelligence to create a more cohesive and responsive defence.
This shift mirrors a wider change in expectations among building owners and operators. In environments where incidents can develop rapidly, keeping pace is no longer enough. The focus is now on staying ahead. By unifying access controls, video surveillance, alarms and analytics within a single ecosystem, organisations can move from fragmented oversight to a more complete, real-time understanding of what is happening across their sites.
A key enabler of this transition is the growing adoption of hybrid cloud models. For many UK organisations, particularly those operating in regulated or high-risk sectors, hybrid architectures offer a practical balance. Critical data and controls remain on site, supporting privacy, resilience and low-latency access, while cloud-based capabilities deliver scalability, advanced analytics and continuous software updates.
By 2026, hybrid deployments are expected to become the dominant approach as organisations prioritise enhancement over replacement. Rather than dismantling existing infrastructure, businesses are layering cloud connectivity onto established systems. This allows data from cameras, access points and sensors to be shared and analysed in real time, improving visibility across individual buildings and entire portfolios. The result is faster decision-making and more coordinated responses when incidents arise.
Always-on awareness through AI
At the centre of these developments is AI-driven detection and analysis. Security systems are evolving from passive recorders into active participants in risk management. Cameras and sensors equipped with machine-learning capabilities can interpret activity as it unfolds, continuously assessing what is typical for a specific environment.
Over time, these systems build an understanding of predictable behaviour in a building – whether that is employee movement through an office reception, visitor flows in a healthcare facility or delivery patterns at a logistics hub. When behaviour deviates from established norms, the system responds immediately. Examples might include an individual remaining in a restricted area for longer than expected or someone attempting to gain entry by closely following an authorised employee.
This continuous monitoring significantly reduces response times. Instead of relying on manual observation or delayed reviews, security teams receive timely alerts that include context and supporting data. Potential risks can be addressed while they are still manageable, rather than after they have escalated.
The UK’s AI technology ecosystem is a critical enabler of these trends. Market research estimates the UK’s AI market is worth over $21 billion (~£17 billion) and is the third largest in the world, behind the United States and China, with strong growth expected. This concentration of expertise supports commercial security providers in developing machine-learning capabilities such as predictive analytics, behaviour detection and automated threat scoring. These capabilities lead to solutions that are more intelligent, streamlined and responsive to security incidents.
Strengthening teams through intelligent support
While AI enhances technical performance, its impact on people is just as significant. One of the most immediate benefits is the reduction of unnecessary alerts. By filtering out false positives and low-risk anomalies, AI allows security professionals to focus on genuine concerns and critical tasks. This is particularly valuable at a time when workforce pressures remain acute.
Security and cyber roles are in high demand, but many UK firms are struggling to recruit and retain specialist talent. In response, organisations are increasingly turning to AI-augmented systems that can automate routine surveillance, reduce false positives and allow experienced personnel to prioritise higher-value tasks. Security roles often involve long hours of monitoring screens, leading to fatigue and high turnover. AI serves as a reliable partner by automating much of the routine monitoring and initial analysis. It can prioritise alerts, provide context, like pulling up related video footage or access logs automatically, and even suggest next steps.
AI also supports consistency and resilience as teams evolve. Standardised processes, automated reporting and shared operational views help onboard new staff more effectively and maintain continuity during periods of change. Rather than replacing human judgement, intelligent systems extend it, allowing smaller teams to manage larger or more complex environments without compromising effectiveness.
Compliance, identity and accountability
Regulatory expectations are set to intensify further. Governments and industry bodies are placing greater emphasis on transparency, documentation and oversight within security operations. Organisations will increasingly require systems that simplify compliance by making it easy to demonstrate how incidents are managed, how access is controlled and how risks are mitigated.
As part of this shift, advanced identification methods are likely to see wider adoption. Technologies such as facial recognition and behavioural analysis can provide stronger identity assurance than traditional credentials alone. Unlike cards or codes, which can be lost, shared or stolen, these methods verify identity based on inherent characteristics or behaviour, supporting both security and accountability.
When implemented responsibly, with appropriate governance and safeguards, such technologies can strengthen trust while reducing friction for authorised users. They also generate detailed audit trails, supporting regulatory requirements and internal reviews alike.
Preparing for what comes next
As risks continue to change, security systems must evolve in parallel. In the near future, commercial buildings will function as active partners in safety and resilience. Intelligent platforms will anticipate emerging patterns, adjust to new behaviours and integrate seamlessly across physical and digital domains.
Organisations that invest now in connected, AI-enabled security will be better positioned to manage uncertainty. Beyond improved protection, these systems deliver operational benefits – from reduced strain on teams to smoother day-to-day operations and greater overall resilience.
In an environment where threats are becoming more dynamic, the future of commercial security lies in systems that can think ahead. By combining human expertise with intelligent technology, organisations can create safer, more adaptable spaces that are ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.
