Hikvision Introduces HIKO AI Engine with Hik-Connect 7

Hikvision introduced its artificial intelligence engine named HIKO in the seventh version of its cloud-based security management software, Hik-Connect. The announcement dated September 29, 2026, highlighted a new interface, event monitoring, research in video recordings, and the initiation of specific management operations using natural language.

The focus of this change is to enable operators to find the information they seek more quickly, rather than reviewing numerous camera and access records individually. However, the results provided by artificial intelligence should not be considered the sole source of verification for on-site security decisions.

What three functions does HIKO bring together?

AI Guardian: Monitoring, notifications, and daily summaries

AI Guardian encompasses features such as focusing on specific individuals or vehicles, defining notification scenarios using everyday language, and summarizing relevant events. According to Hikvision's statement, person, vehicle, and alarm activities observed in a camera channel over the last 24 hours can be summarized. This feature can assist operators in preliminary assessments in environments where numerous short event records are reviewed.

However, it is crucial to compare automatically generated summaries with the source footage. A misclassified object or an incompletely detected event could lead to an incomplete summary.

AI Search: Q&A on recordings

Video Q&A, announced under AI Search, aims to allow users to ask questions about recorded scenes. Fusion Search, on the other hand, aims to correlate video, access control, and license plate recognition records within the same investigation, given the appropriate infrastructure.

For example, investigating which entry point an authorized vehicle used to enter a facility can be facilitated by examining correlated records together, rather than manually checking independent screens. However, for such a workflow, the accuracy of records, time synchronization, and relevant access permissions are critically important.

AI Assistant: Management with natural language

AI Assistant envisions the initiation of certain management tasks, such as visitor or vehicle access, through free-form expression. While a more intuitive user interface is important, authorization control and auditable transaction records must be maintained for operations granting physical access.

What does the software update change in existing installations?

Hikvision stated that HIKO operates in the cloud and that Hik-Connect 7 is being rolled out to Team Mode and Personal Mode users. According to the announcement, no separate hardware purchase is required for HIKO. This does not mean that every AI function will operate automatically and without limitations on every device.

Hik-Connect 7 Team Mode release notes indicate activation requirements for specific AI services and that some features may only be available in certain countries or regions. Variables such as camera type, ANPR support, licensing, or service conditions can also affect the usage scenario. Current regional documentation should be reviewed before installation.

The real test for security operations: Accuracy and auditability

Natural language search has the potential to reduce the time spent by security teams. In return, it is necessary to understand which images or records the system relies on to produce results, manage false positives, and determine who can process sensitive data.

Especially in multi-user facilities, access to video recordings, retention periods, the region where the cloud service is used, and personal data regulations must be evaluated separately. For Hikvision's hardware portfolio, the GüvenlikOnline Hikvision brand catalog can be reviewed; the subject of this news, however, is the management capabilities offered by the software rather than hardware sales.

References

●        Hikvision official press release — Hik-Connect 7 and HIKO (September 29, 2026)

●        Hikvision — Hik-Connect V7.0.0 Team Mode release notes (September 15, 2026)