Top Security Innovators Predict 4 Transformative Trends Shaping the Industry in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, the physical security landscape is poised for dramatic shifts. We’ve gathered insights from industry titans—Axis Communications, Gallagher Security, Genetec, Hanwha Vision, and i-PRO—to uncover the pivotal trends expected to redefine security deployments this year. What innovations will dominate, and how will they impact the fortunes of major players in this increasingly competitive field?

1. The Rise of Agentic AI: Autonomous Decision-Making Transforms Security

The year 2026 marks a “pivotal turning point” in physical security, largely driven by the emergence of Agentic AI. These advanced AI agents are more than mere tools; they are autonomous security subsystems capable of making independent decisions. Imagine a system that can detect a perimeter breach, trigger a localized lockdown, and even deploy a drone for investigation—all without human intervention.

Hanwha Vision highlights this revolutionary shift, predicting a fundamental overhaul in the role of monitoring operators. “Humans will delegate repetitive surveillance tasks to AI Agents and focus on more critical, high-level functions,” states the Korean company, envisioning AI as an active “teammate.” This AI agent will “autonomously conduct complex situational analysis, automatically execute an initial response, and recommend the most effective follow-up actions to the monitoring operator.”

This leap in AI capabilities is fueled by superior data quality, thanks to refined sensors and AI-powered image signal processing, alongside the arrival of generative AI at the edge. i-PRO echoes this sentiment, anticipating AI systems that not only detect pre-defined patterns but truly “understand the underlying logic” of what a camera perceives.

“Improvements in processing hardware now allow models to learn and refine themselves directly on-device,” i-PRO explains, pointing to a shift from reactive forensic analysis to proactive, metadata-driven search using natural language. A significant benefit, according to i-PRO, is the potential for reduced operating costs. “By keeping real-time analysis and self-learning at the edge while using the cloud only where it adds value, organizations can improve performance without overspending.”

2. Cloud Sovereignty and Hybrid Flexibility: The “Best of Both Worlds” Approach

The enduring “cloud or edge” debate has evolved into a “why not both” consensus, with a strong focus on orchestrating the intricate dance between cloud and edge in 2026. This hybrid approach, combining the strengths of both, is gaining central importance.

Axis Communications, a long-time advocate of hybrid solutions, emphasizes a refined balance. “While that’s still the same today, what’s changing is the balance of resources, as capabilities are enhanced and new use cases emerge,” the Swedish manufacturer states. “Edge and cloud are becoming much more significant, with the need for on-premise server computing resources reduced.”

This evolution stems from enhanced computing power within both cameras and the cloud. “Improved image quality, the ability to more accurately analyze scenes and create valuable metadata have seen cameras take on tasks previously handled on the server,” Axis adds. “Similarly, with such a wealth of data being created, cloud-based resources have the analytical power required to surface business intelligence and insights to enhance operational effectiveness.”

Genetec’s annual survey of physical security professionals further validates this trend, revealing a strong pivot towards cloud processing. “Cloud is playing a stronger role in how security infrastructure is designed and maintained,” the Canadian VMS specialist observes, noting that end-users prioritize automatic updates, ease of deployment, and simplified maintenance as key benefits.

3. Beyond Security: Unlocking Business Intelligence with Digital Twins

Leading the charge in redefining security system deployments is Gallagher Security, which is “focused on elevating [its] global vision for the future.” Mark Junge, CEO of Gallagher, emphasizes a shared purpose: “to shape a safer, more connected future.” The New Zealand manufacturer has introduced several key solutions, including the PIV-compliant High Security Controller 7000 and the cloud solution OneLink, alongside Command Centre v9.40, which promises smarter maintenance and increased operational efficiency.

Hanwha Vision similarly champions the expansion of security systems beyond traditional monitoring, leveraging AI data to generate business intelligence and provide organizations with comprehensive operational visibility. Central to this vision are Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical environments.

“The role of video surveillance expands beyond simple monitoring to become a core data source for Digital Twin technology, which reflects the physical environment in real-time,” Hanwha explains. “Currently, the AI information (metadata) extracted by AI cameras is already being used as business intelligence to optimize operations in many smart sectors like cities, retail, and factories. Moving forward, this metadata will be fused with diverse information from access control devices, IoT sensors, and environmental sensors to complete a unified, intelligent Digital Twin environment.”

4. Cyber-Physical Convergence: A Unified Front Against Evolving Threats

As security systems become increasingly interconnected with IT infrastructures, IoT sensors, and the cloud, the imperative for robust cybersecurity solutions has never been greater. 2026 will see cyber- and physical security converging, becoming inseparable in hardware, software, and underlying philosophy.

“Cybersecurity underpins every part of today’s physical security ecosystems,” asserts i-PRO. “It is the baseline requirement that allows organizations to adopt new technologies, from AI to cloud-based services, with confidence.” This commitment is underscored by i-PRO’s ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the first global standard for AI management systems.

Genetec echoes this view, declaring that “The boundary between digital and physical threats is disappearing.” Their survey indicates that as physical security systems grow more connected, “safeguarding IoT and edge devices is now a core operational requirement.”

What Does This Mean for the Security Players’ Business Outlook?

These technological advancements necessitate closer collaboration between manufacturers, integrators, and end-users, a development that all five leading companies feel well-positioned to embrace.

Gallagher, for instance, foresees “people-powered growth across the globe.” Spencer Marshall, EVP – UK & Europe, Gallagher, notes, “This has been a year of connection, collaboration, and growth across our partner network and customer base. The traction we’ve seen sets a strong foundation for 2026.”

Conclusion: Integrators Step into a Pivotal New Role

The projected growth among global manufacturers is expected to yield significant benefits for local integrators, particularly those willing to forge strong, collaborative partnerships. Integrators are uniquely positioned to unlock the full potential of advanced hardware and software for users, benefiting not only security teams but also IT departments through “security-plus” deployments.

As Genetec’s survey report aptly puts it: “Progress now depends on shared expertise and mutual trust.” This collaborative spirit will be crucial for navigating the evolving security landscape of 2026 and beyond.