Axis Communications announced the 8th generation of its custom-designed system-on-chip (SoC) made for network video. The ARTPEC-8 SoC was designed first and foremost to create new opportunities for impressive analytics applications based on deep learning on the edge.
In addition, the new SoC accelerates the array of remarkable capabilities and features first seen with the implementation of ARTPEC-7. These include superior imaging, enhanced security, and powerful compression.
Furthermore, the fact that ARTPEC-8 was designed in-house gives Axis a level of control crucial to cybersecurity. Going forward, the new chip will be the basis for the vast majority of Axis network video products. Some of the first cameras to include this chip are the soon-to-be-launched AXIS Q3536-LVE/38-LVE Dome Cameras and AXIS Q1656-LE Box Camera.
“With ARTPEC-8, Axis is leading the way toward a new era of exciting analytics based on deep learning on the edge,” says Johan Paulsson, Chief Technology Officer. We want to deliver the easiest access to actionable insights through the widest range of analytics on the market. Our ultimate goal is to contribute to creating a smarter, safer world by addressing more and more important use cases. Plus, ARTPEC-8 is 100% optimized for high-quality network video solutions. And, as always, we have complete control over every single transistor.”
Deep-learning-based analytics on the edge
ARTPEC-8 supports powerful analytics applications based on deep learning on the edge where cameras have the processing power to analyze data within the camera itself. An example of deep-learning-based analytics is highly granular real-time object detection and classification that makes it possible to develop analytics that can distinguish between different kinds of objects, such as types of vehicles.
This is the basis for AXIS Object Analytics. It also opens the door to other deep-learning-based analytics that deliver actionable insights for security, safety, and operational purposes. Thanks to the open Axis platform, these other analytics applications will include tailor-made applications from Axis partners.
The advantages of analyzing data on the edge
Deep-learning-based analytics on the edge, powered by ARTPEC-8, deliver additional significant benefits as well. Analyzing data on the edge – on the camera – means no information is lost in compression or transmission making results more reliable. It allows for faster alerts, which in turn lets users act instantly to protect people and property and make the right decisions about their operations. It creates cost savings because less bandwidth and storage and fewer servers are needed. Less bandwidth and storage also significantly reduce the risk of loss of sensitive data and fewer servers also improves scalability.
Increased analytics performance and the best imaging
ARTPEC-8 continues to facilitate Axis Lightfinder 2.0 and Axis Forensic WDR for the best image processing under difficult light conditions. These are part of the foundation for Axis Scene Intelligence technology, which increases the performance of analytics applications. The result is consistent analytics results and fast, accurate forensic search capabilities with minimal false alarms even under challenging surveillance conditions. Axis Scene Intelligence puts market-leading expertise from decades of experience with image processing to work.
Cybersecurity benefits
ARTPEC-8 builds on cybersecurity features introduced with ARTPEC-7 including signed firmware and secure boot. ARTPEC-8 supports Edge Vault for secure storage of cryptographic keys and certificates. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) for FIPS-compliant secure storage will be available in certain cameras.
