Photo/Illutration This image shows how an artificial intelligence system at Kindai University’s Osaka Medical Campus can analyze people’s movements in crime-prevention camera footage. (Provided by Asilla Inc.)

SAKAI, Osaka Prefecture--Kindai University is testing an artificial intelligence (AI) model combined with up to 200 surveillance cameras to provide around-the clock security at its new Osaka Medical Campus.

The grounds of the campus, set up in November within Senboku New Town in Minami Ward of Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, are open 24/7 to the general public.

The site was previously home to a Sakai city park, known for its greenway, and a housing complex run by Osaka Prefecture.

When Kindai University was acquiring the land, the city government and residents asked it to retain the greenway’s functions.

The university operator decided to install a greenway at the planned campus to allow neighborhood residents to use the space for a range of purposes, such as strolling, during both day and night.

To address safety concerns, the university decided to incorporate the AI-driven security mechanism.

Under the system, if an AI model detects suspicious activities in images from security cameras, it informs a dedicated crime prevention center at the site. The number of anti-crime cameras is expected to eventually reach 200.

Tokyo-based Asilla Inc. developed the security system.

An AI technique known as “behavioral recognition” first identifies people in security camera footage and then analyzes the movements of their arms, legs, heads and other body parts in real time, an Asilla representative said.

Repeating its style of learning, the AI model can accurately determine, for example, whether recorded individuals are hitting someone or simply walking while swinging their arms vigorously.

Asilla started researching behavior recognition AI when the company was founded in 2015. The system was made commercially available in 2022, and the mechanism has been put into service at commercial and other complexes.

“Taking full advantage of digital technology, we have successfully created an environment that effectively responds to local needs,” said Daiki Sakata, a Kindai University official from the unit overseeing the relocation of its faculty of medicine. “This feat will contribute to enhanced security and safety for our hospital.”

Kindai University also plans to use campus traffic data collected through the system to reduce congestion and refine pedestrian flow on the school grounds.

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