As threats to critical infrastructure grow, from safety hazards to security breaches, the role of cutting-edge technology in mitigating these risks has never been more vital. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by hydropower operators, Synectics has launched Synergy DETECT, an AI-driven video analytics suite designed to enhance safety, security, and operational efficiency.
This innovative technology, part of the broader Synergy platform, delivers tailored surveillance solutions to protect critical assets like dams and turbine facilities while ensuring worker safety. By leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to offer tools such as PPE Detection and Fall Detection, Synergy DETECT provides real-time alerts and actionable insights that help operators address site-specific risks.
Tailored solutions for hydropower facilities
Hydropower facilities present unique challenges due to their high-risk environments. Workers are often exposed to hazards such as turbine blades, fast-moving water, and remote worksites where quick response times are essential. Synergy DETECT has been developed with these challenges in mind.
“Synergy DETECT is designed so organizations can select and activate the AI-based video analytics tools most relevant to them,” explains Jon Squires, Head of Tech Partnerships and Enterprise Solutions at Synectics. “For hydropower infrastructure, tools like PPE Detection and Fall Detection can significantly improve worker safety while addressing the unique demands of the industry.”
PPE Detection, for instance, ensures compliance with safety protocols by automatically flagging situations where workers appear in designated high-risk zones without helmets or high-visibility vests. These alerts allow central teams to respond immediately, reducing the likelihood of serious injuries or fatalities. Similarly, Fall Detection identifies falling movements or prolonged inactivity, alerting operators to potential emergencies involving lone workers in isolated areas.
Streamlined integration
One of the standout features of Synergy DETECT is its seamless integration with existing surveillance infrastructure. The platform’s open architecture allows it to work with virtually any camera or device already in place at hydropower sites.
“With Synergy DETECT hardware installed, users can identify cameras in their network to enable AI-powered risk detection tools,” says Squires. “This flexibility ensures that the system can adapt to varied layouts and operational needs, making it suitable for large-scale dams as well as smaller, remote facilities.”
The adaptability of the platform extends to its configuration options. Surveillance operators can define zone sizes, sensitivity thresholds, motion tolerances, and alert settings to tailor the system for site-specific requirements. This level of customization ensures that operators can maximize the value of their investment while addressing evolving operational demands.
Enhancing safety protocols and crisis response
Safety compliance is a top priority for hydropower operators. Tools like Hazardous Area Detection complement PPE and Fall Detection by alerting operators when unauthorized personnel or vehicles enter restricted zones. This is particularly useful in environments surrounding dangerous equipment or substances.
In emergencies, the system proves invaluable. Synergy DETECT can integrate with additional sensors, such as those monitoring water levels or soil movement, to provide early warnings of natural hazards like flooding or landslides. When anomalies are detected, the system not only triggers alerts but also prioritizes relevant footage on operators’ screens, allowing for rapid visual verification.
What sets the platform apart is its ability to trigger predefined workflows based on the type of emergency. On-screen guidance helps surveillance teams take swift, consistent action, ensuring that responses are efficient and effective. This capability can be the difference between containing a crisis and facing catastrophic consequences.
Securing critical infrastructure against threats
Beyond worker safety, Synergy DETECT also addresses security challenges such as vandalism, terrorism, and unauthorized access. Hydropower facilities, like other critical infrastructure, are often targeted by individuals or groups looking to disrupt operations.
The Intrusion Detection tool, for example, uses long-range sensors to classify unauthorized people or vehicles entering restricted areas. Whether it’s a staff parking lot or a turbine room, these breaches can have significant implications for service continuity and national security. Similarly, Loitering Detection flags suspicious behavior, such as individuals lingering near critical assets for unusual periods, allowing operators to investigate and intervene proactively.
Vehicle tracking features, including Multi-Object Detection and Traffic Counting, enhance the ability to monitor movement on-site. By ensuring that only authorized vehicles are present and identifying those that appear outside of normal operating hours, these tools help maintain strict control over site access.
Future-ready solution
The adaptability of Synergy DETECT extends beyond its current capabilities. As camera technology and AI analytics evolve, the platform will continue to offer enhanced features that respond to the changing demands of critical infrastructure operators.
“AI-driven surveillance is inextricably linked to advances in camera technology,” Squires explains. “As more operators adopt AI-based tools, we’ll see feedback loops that result in even more tailored capabilities.”
Feedback from utility companies already using the broader Synergy platform highlights its value in multi-site surveillance and real-time threat detection. With the addition of Synergy DETECT, Synectics builds on this foundation, offering a powerful suite of tools that address the specific needs of hydropower facilities.
Balancing privacy and effectiveness
As with any surveillance technology, privacy concerns are a critical consideration. Synectics has designed Synergy DETECT to address these issues by minimizing the need for constant operator monitoring. For example, automated alerts for PPE compliance reduce the reliance on manual oversight, ensuring that workers are observed only when necessary.
The system also allows for privacy-focused configurations, such as obscuring faces or number plates in footage. This is particularly important if data needs to be shared with third parties or used for training purposes.
A cost-effective investment
While the cost of implementing Synergy DETECT varies based on site size and specific requirements, its value lies in its ability to enhance both safety and operational efficiency. By reducing the risks of accidents, ensuring regulatory compliance, and preventing security breaches, the platform offers a strong return on investment for hydropower operators.
Dan Noble, Head of Product Strategy at Synectics, summarizes the platform’s potential: “AI truly has the power to supercharge surveillance-based risk detection, but only if the tools are intuitive and easy to use. Synergy DETECT puts these capabilities at the fingertips of busy surveillance teams, helping them protect critical assets in a way that is completely tailored to their needs.”
Conclusion
Synergy DETECT represents a significant step forward in AI-powered surveillance for hydropower infrastructure. By combining advanced analytics with seamless integration and user-friendly design, the platform addresses the unique challenges of high-risk environments.
Synergy DETECT provides a practical solution for improving safety and security in critical infrastructure. For hydropower operators, it offers an adaptable surveillance system that helps protect workers and monitor potential risks in real time.
