i-PRO Forecasts Edge AI And Cyber Maturity For 2026

The year ahead is expected to be driven by measurable improvements in edge-based AI performance, stronger expectations for channel expertise, and cybersecurity serving as the foundation for every security workflow. 

i-PRO has recently released its outlook on how edge AI, channel education, and cybersecurity maturity will shape the security industry in 2026.

As AI, cloud, and cybersecurity move from theory into everyday use, end users are demanding solutions that simplify operations, reduce costs, and accelerate decision-making.

“AI is no longer a theoretical discussion between manufacturers, integrators, and end users. While many AI-powered cameras have been sold, we are now seeing meaningful gains in accuracy and usability as organizations explore what the technology can achieve for their specific needs,” said Gerard Figols, Chief Operating Officer at i-PRO.

“The next phase is about deploying AI responsibly, efficiently, and with the right training in place.”

Generative AI At The Edge
One of i-PRO’s key predictions for 2026 is the rise of generative AI models running directly on edge devices. Advances in processing hardware now enable AI systems to learn and refine themselves on-device rather than relying solely on centralized servers or cloud infrastructure.

This approach significantly reduces bandwidth consumption and avoids the high costs associated with large-scale cloud analytics, which can reach hundreds of dollars per camera per month. By combining real-time edge analytics with selective cloud usage, organizations can improve performance without overspending.

The shift also reflects how video systems are being used. Reactive, timeline-based investigations are giving way to alert-driven workflows, automated detection, and metadata-based searches using natural language. Raw video increasingly becomes a reference point, while metadata serves as the operational source of truth.

Education Becomes A Core Requirement
Rapid advances in AI, IT convergence, and cybersecurity are outpacing the industry’s available expertise. i-PRO expects integrators to treat education as a strategic investment rather than an optional add-on.

“Anyone can mount an AI camera. That does not mean it will perform,” said Figols.

“The market needs deeper understanding and repeatable best practices. Education is how we improve outcomes and build long-term trust.”

Recurring Revenue Opportunities For Integrators
As AI models continue to evolve and cybersecurity demands constant attention, integrators are expected to see growth in service-based revenue. Recurring contracts covering system updates, security hardening, and ongoing AI refinement are forecast to become a major driver of long-term value.

“Technology does not stand still,” said Figols.

“Integrators who support continuous updates and lifecycle management will strengthen customer relationships and generate new value.”

Cybersecurity As The Industry Baseline
i-PRO believes cybersecurity will remain the most urgent priority for the physical security industry in 2026. Cyber maturity underpins every modern security ecosystem and enables organizations to adopt AI and cloud technologies with confidence.

This focus aligns with i-PRO’s commitment to ethical and transparent AI governance and its achievement of ISO/IEC 42001 certification, the first global standard for AI management systems.

“Cybersecurity underpins the entire technology stack. Trust and data integrity are prerequisites for deploying AI and cloud capabilities with confidence and peace of mind,”

said Figols.

Outlook For The Year Ahead
i-PRO reported strong global performance across all markets and expects continued momentum driven by practical AI deployments, increased adoption of open platforms, and expanded use of edge-driven intelligence.

“The deployments that succeed will be open, collaborative, cybersecure, and supported by the right training,” concluded Figols.