The technology is particularly effective in semi-open and outdoor areas exposed to wind, moisture, and dust, and operates flawlessly in complete darkness thanks to its integrated infrared illuminator.

Bosch Building Technologies is heralding nothing short of a fire protection revolution with its Aviotec 8000i IR camera for video-­based fire detection. Here, “i” stands for intelligent AI algorithms, and “IR” denotes the integrated infrared illuminator. Being video-based means the camera detects smoke and flames within its monitored field of view – unlike thermal cameras that detect based on temperature differences, and unlike traditional smoke detectors, Aviotec identifies smoke right at its source.

The Aviotec 8000i IR, based on years of research and development by Bosch Building Solutions, is ideal for challenging environments like production areas where hazardous substances with a high fire load are stored outdoors, as well as for semi-open spaces like solar installations or windy electric vehicle charging stations where smoke detection can be difficult.

More Powerful than Aspirating Smoke Detectors

Comparing its video-based system to current aspirating smoke detectors in its in-housefire laboratory, Bosch found that Aviotec 8000i IR detects smoke from test fires up to three times faster. Enhanced AI algorithms ensure greater reliability and accuracy in detecting actual fires, reducing false alarms. Alarms, triggered by real fires or by trouble messages caused by i. e. power loss or a blurry image can be forwarded to a local network or to a central fire alarm panel via two relays.

Fire Protection Around the Clock with IR Spotlights

With its integrated infrared (IR) illuminator, the camera offers round-the-clock fire protection, functioning perfectly in total darkness (0 Lux) without the need for additional lighting. This feature simplifies and reduces the cost of installation for planners and installers.

Easy to Install One-Product Solution

The camera’s installation is further simplified as a one-product solution without the need for accessories. Its robust, waterproof IP 67 casing, new 4-megapixel sensor, and motorized lens are integrated into one unit. Aviotec’s Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) also eliminates the need for power cables.

Extended Application Possibilities

Aviotec 8000i IR’s new features open up a wide range of applications and enhance fire protection in demanding environments. It can prevent the spread of fires to buildings by detecting them in open areas in real-time, at the source, without smoke needing to reach an indoor detector.

The camera is also valuable in train stations, subways, and bus terminals, where brakes or electricity can be ignition sources that conventional detectors may identify too slowly. Similarly, at electric vehicle charging stations where batteries might ignite, the stations are often located in semi-open or outdoor areas where wind can disperse smoke, Aviotec‘s sensitive AI algorithms with deep learning technology aid in smoke detection in windy conditions.

“The new Aviotec 8000i IR represents over a decade of experience in video-based fire detection. Thousands of Aviotec cameras in 72 countries reflect our customers’ trust in this proven technology,” says Patrizia Bogers, Global Business Development Manager, Aviotec.

Deep Learning

In conversation with Patrizia Bogers, Global Business Development Manager Aviotec, and Sören Wittmann, Aviotec Product Manager at Bosch Building Technologies

GIT SECURITY: Ms. Bogers and Mr. Wittmann, you are responsible for the Aviotec video-based smoke and flame detection system. What is the key feature of this system?

Sören Wittmann: To put it briefly: anyone looking to secure large areas against fire – take, for example, a large warehouse in an industrial setting – will quickly reach the limits of individual point-type smoke detectors. Smoke rises due to thermal lift. The higher it rises, the more it mixes with the surrounding air. The smoke becomes thinner, cooler, and slower. Eventually, at a certain threshold, the smoke reaches the same temperature as the surroundings – and then it no longer moves with the air.

Patrizia Bogers: That’s why video-based early fire detection, like our Aviotec solution, takes a different approach: Smoke or flames arising within the field of view of the fire detection camera become practically immediately visible. The camera can thus detect the fire in seconds directly at the source itself. This naturally saves valuable time in the response chain. Early detection can help minimize damage. For the fire safety of storage rooms or expensive and business-critical machines, this is an invaluable advantage.

There is now a brand-new version of Aviotec, the Aviotec 8000i IR. Let‘s delve a little deeper into the exact ­functioning and product features...

Sören Wittmann: The system is now fully AI-driven based on neural networks. With the help of artificial intelligence, Aviotec is trained to recognize smoke and flames. Whether it is an event with smoke or flame development is decided by a pre-trained neural network in the camera. The video image is compared and analysed with large amounts of data from various scenarios in seconds. Thanks to AI algorithms based on deep learning, Aviotec can even detect fine smoke at an early stage.

Patrizia Bogers: It’s an all-in-one solution. The camera is characterized by improved image quality and a resolution of 4 megapixels. Moreover, IR illuminator, lens, and IP 67 housing are now integrated into the camera. The improved settings allow for motorized changes in focal length without manual adjustment. The sensor is more sensitive with better image quality. The user no longer needs any accessories, and the camera can be connected to a control center like a standard fire detector. Two output relays for “Alarm” and “Fault” are included in the delivery. With the help of a display, alarms can be quickly and reliably checked by an authorized person via live video. This way, the responsible person can quickly determine whether it is a false alarm or a real incident.

How has the concept been received in the market?

Patrizia Bogers: We see a strong demand for reliable solutions in various vertical markets, such as in public buildings and for industrial applications where conventional fire detection technology, for example due to the height of the room, reaches its limits. In transportation, solutions are needed for airports, hangars, and rail transport. There is a strong demand for applications in warehouses and for parking garages. With the rapid growth of electromobility, video-based early fire detection will become increasingly important there as well. In all these areas, the fire detection system must be very flexible and able to respond to changes in the environment.

So, a system with a future...?

Sören Wittmann: With our AI-driven approach and deep learning capabilities, our solution is excellently positioned for the future. Another aspect is the increase in international regulations for video-based fire detection. These regulations and their interpretation require a solution like our Aviotec 8000i IR.