i-PRO COO on AI Ethics and the Future of Security

i-Pro Unveils AI-Powered Cameras, Prioritizes Ethics at ISC West 2025

At ISC West 2025, i-Pro made a splash with its new lineup of AI-powered cameras, designed to tackle extreme environments and bring intelligent surveillance to a wider audience. Among the highlights were a ruggedized 4K Aero PTZ camera built to withstand hurricane-force winds, a long-range bullet camera boasting built-in license plate recognition (LPR), and the expansion of edge AI capabilities to its value-driven U-series product line.

The product launch coincided with an announcement that Gerard Figols, formerly President of i-PRO EMEA, has been appointed as the company’s new Chief Operating Officer.

“We are focused on responsible innovation,” Figols said during an interview at the show. “That means pushing the boundaries of AI and cloud integration, but also making sure it’s governed ethically, with the highest cybersecurity standards.”

Extreme conditions, expanded intelligence

Leading the charge was the new Aero PTZ camera, a 4K powerhouse engineered to endure Category 5 hurricane conditions while providing long-distance coverage up to 560 meters with infrared support. Figols explained that this model revives a classic series with next-generation AI features and enhanced durability.

Another noteworthy announcement was the integration of AI analytics into i-PRO’s U-series, its entry-level offering. This marks the first time AI is available across all i-PRO camera lines, making AI processing accessible to a broader customer base and encompassing 15 new models ranging from 2MP to 4K resolutions.

“Our goal is to bring AI across all market segments,” Figols stated. “We’re not just adding AI as a premium feature; we’re embedding it across the full range.”

With this expansion, i-PRO’s lineup now boasts 231 AI-capable models, positioning it as one of the largest in the industry, according to the company.

High-zoom LPR and edge processing for legacy systems

Recognizing the growing demand for smart traffic solutions, i-PRO also unveiled a new high-zoom bullet camera equipped with edge-based license plate recognition, developed in partnership with Vaxtor. This ready-to-use LPR solution facilitates automated plate capture without requiring operator intervention.

“This camera can track a vehicle entering a scene, zoom in to capture the license plate, then zoom back out—all automatically,” Figols explained. “It also comes pre-loaded on the camera, the installer can try it first for 30 days, and if they are happy buy the license, no further work is needed.”

Further bridging the gap between older installations and AI intelligence, i-PRO now enables its X-series AI edge cameras to act as processing hubs for up to three non-AI cameras. This feature introduces AI capabilities to legacy systems without necessitating a complete hardware overhaul – a welcome solution for budget-conscious enterprise and municipal clients.

“We understand most users won’t rip out their existing infrastructure,” Figols noted. “This solution gives them a way to extend AI benefits cost-effectively.”

Cloud strategy without proprietary lock-in

While many players in the industry are rushing to establish their own cloud ecosystems, i-PRO has opted for a more agnostic approach, prioritizing partnerships over closed systems. The company is collaborating with cloud providers to enable direct-to-cloud integration from its AI edge cameras, minimizing storage costs and enhancing scalability.

“All of our edge AI applications can process data locally and send only the relevant insights to the cloud,” Figols said. “This reduces bandwidth and infrastructure demands.”

This strategy aligns with a broader market trend toward hybrid deployments and selective cloud migration, particularly among government and mission-critical clients.

Ethics and cybersecurity as strategic differentiators

Perhaps most notably, i-PRO formally announced its pursuit of ISO 42001 certification for ethical AI governance—a move that sets it apart in a field where ethical considerations are often overshadowed by technical specifications.

“We’ve created an internal ethical AI committee and adopted seven core principles to govern AI development,” Figols explained. “This isn’t about checking a box. We’re embedding responsibility into our product lifecycle.”

He emphasized that i-PRO is training both internal staff and channel partners to align with these standards, focusing on transparency, accountability, and fairness in AI algorithms.

In conjunction with its ethics initiative, i-PRO reaffirmed its commitment to cybersecurity. All newly launched products meet the company’s highest protection level of FIPS 140-3 Level 3, a non-negotiable in Figols’ view.

“AI and cloud are only valuable if the data can be trusted,” he said. “You can’t have innovation without security.”

A measured stance on Gen AI and autonomy

Despite the industry buzz surrounding generative AI and autonomous systems, Figols offered a tempered perspective. He explained that while AI agents may soon handle repetitive monitoring tasks, human operators will remain crucial.

“I don’t believe we’re moving toward fully autonomous security systems,” he said. “AI should support the operator—not replace them. Humans will still remain the final decisionmakers.”

Targeting government, education, and mission-critical markets

Looking ahead, i-PRO is focusing on verticals where reliability, cybersecurity, and ethical governance are paramount, namely government projects, transportation, and education. These sectors are expected to drive demand for AI-powered, cloud-compatible surveillance systems in the years to come.

“The trends we’re seeing—cloud, AI, and cybersecurity—aren’t just North American. They’re global,” Figols said. “And we’re designing our products and partnerships to meet that international demand.”

As the surveillance industry continues to grapple with questions of trust, transparency, and technological complexity, i-PRO’s strategy at ISC West 2025 suggests the company intends to lead not only with innovation but with integrity.