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React to what you hear but don’t see.

Sound detection

Combining sound and vision enhances the capabilities and efficiency of your surveillance network. Audio analytics can detect and identify critical sounds such as screams, shouts, glass breaking, and speech, as well as measure noise pollution – giving you the opportunity to respond immediately and effectively.

Audibly expanding your monitoring capabilities

Sound detection adds a valuable dimension to active incident management by recognizing urgent audio cues, including glass breaking, screams, shouts, and sudden spikes in volume. Leveraging the advanced processing power of Axis devices along with deep-learning AI-powered analytics, the system automatically filters through ambient noise to deliver alerts about actionable events. Beyond incident detection, sound detection enables measurement of SPL (sound pressure level) to monitor noise pollution, a growing public health concern. When paired with environmental and acoustic sensors, this technology can identify a broad range of unusual events in sensitive environments such as hospitals, schools, prisons, and shopping malls.

Blog: More than public address

Adding new dimensions to your video surveillance

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Alert by sound, verification by vision

With sound detection integrated into your surveillance network, security teams can proactively address incidents or threats. The combination of Axis devices and sophisticated audio analytics reliably alerts personnel to critical sounds like screams, shouts, breaking glass, and volume surges. PTZ Autotracking technology can automatically zoom in on the source of the detected sound, providing operators with live video and situational awareness to respond swiftly and appropriately – potentially preventing incidents from escalating.

Busy city crowd one man in focus trying to talk in his phone but the surroundings is too loud

Noise pollution – fighting an invisible menace

Noise pollution isn’t just a nuisance; it poses serious physical and psychological health risks. City officials prioritize noise reduction to improve livability, and Axis devices can support this by measuring SPL in environments affected by traffic, construction, bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. Embedded analytics enable visualization and analysis of noise sources, empowering stakeholders to take informed action that enhances citizens’ quality of life.

Blog: 3 ways audio can contribute to a smarter, safer city

Hearing what can’t be seen

In locations where video surveillance is limited or inappropriate – such as hospitals, restrooms, or certain public and private spaces – sound detection using microphones, acoustic or environmental sensors provides critical situational awareness without compromising privacy. For example, it can alert caregivers to patient falls, notify school officials about potential bullying incidents, and monitor acoustic compliance in offices or factories. Detected audio events can also trigger connected technologies like video surveillance or pre-recorded announcements via Axis network speakers, ensuring ethical, responsive, and effective surveillance.

Case study: MLK Jr, Community Hospital