| AI & digital twins In emergencies, the system proves invaluable.
Synergy DETECT can integrate with additional sensors, such as those monitoring water levels or soil movement, to provide early warnings of natural hazards like flooding or landslides. When anomalies are detected, the system not only triggers alerts but also prioritizes relevant footage on operators’ screens, allowing for rapid visual verification. What sets the platform apart is its ability to trigger predefined workflows based on the type of emergency. On-screen guidance helps surveillance teams take swift, consistent action, ensuring that responses are efficient and effective. This capability can be the difference between containing a crisis and facing catastrophic consequences.
Securing critical infrastructure
against threats Beyond worker safety, Synergy DETECT also addresses security challenges such as vandalism, terrorism, and unauthorized access. Hydropower facilities, like other critical infrastructure, are often targeted by individuals or groups looking to disrupt operations. The Intrusion Detection tool, for example, uses long-range sensors to classify unauthorized people or vehicles entering restricted areas. Whether it’s a staff parking lot or a turbine room, these breaches can have significant implications for service continuity and national security. Similarly, Loitering Detection flags suspicious behavior, such as individuals lingering near critical assets for unusual periods, allowing operators to investigate and intervene proactively. Vehicle tracking features, including Multi-Object
Detection and Traffic Counting, enhance the ability to monitor movement on-site. By ensuring that only authorized vehicles are present and identifying those that appear outside of normal operating hours, these tools help maintain strict control over site access.
Future-ready solution The adaptability of Synergy DETECT extends beyond
its current capabilities. As camera technology and AI analytics evolve, the platform will continue to offer enhanced features that respond to the changing demands of critical infrastructure operators. “AI-driven surveillance is inextricably
linked to advances in camera technology,” Squires explains. “As more operators adopt AI-based tools, we’ll see feedback loops that result in even more tailored capabilities.” Feedback from utility companies already using the broader Synergy platform highlights its value in multi-site surveillance and real-time threat detection. With the addition of Synergy DETECT, Synectics builds on this foundation, offering a powerful suite of tools that address the specific needs of hydropower facilities.
Balancing privacy and
effectiveness As with any surveillance technology, privacy concerns are a critical consideration. Synectics has designed Synergy DETECT to address
www.waterpowermagazine.com | January 2025 | 19
these issues by minimizing the need for constant operator monitoring. For example, automated alerts for PPE compliance reduce the reliance on manual oversight, ensuring that workers are observed only when necessary. The system also allows for privacy-focused configurations, such as obscuring faces or number plates in footage. This is particularly important if data needs to be shared with third parties or used for training purposes.
A cost-effective investment While the cost of implementing Synergy DETECT
varies based on site size and specific requirements, its value lies in its ability to enhance both safety and operational efficiency. By reducing the risks of accidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing security breaches, the platform offers a strong return on investment for hydropower operators.
Dan Noble, Head of Product Strategy at Synectics, summarizes the platform’s potential: “AI truly has the power to supercharge surveillance-based risk detection, but only if the tools are intuitive and easy to use. Synergy DETECT puts these capabilities at the fingertips of busy surveillance teams, helping them protect critical assets in a way that is completely tailored to their needs.”
Conclusion Synergy DETECT represents a significant step
forward in AI-powered surveillance for hydropower infrastructure. By combining advanced analytics with seamless integration and user-friendly design, the platform addresses the unique challenges of high-risk environments. Synergy DETECT provides a practical solution for
improving safety and security in critical infrastructure. For hydropower operators, it offers an adaptable surveillance system that helps protect workers and monitor potential risks in real time.
Below: PPE detection
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45
