Michigan deploys AI to detect guns at state Capitol

Michigan is deploying artificial intelligence (AI) technology to detect guns in the state’s Capitol amid an increase in political violence in recent years.

On Monday, Michigan became the first state Capitol in the country to launch the use of the gun detection platform made by ZeroEyes.

“As the political climate grows increasingly tumultuous, it’s imperative that we remain vigilant and attuned to our surroundings,” Michigan State Capitol Commission Executive Director Rob Blackshaw said in a press release.

“I want visitors and those that come to work here every day to understand that, irrespective of external circumstances, our building remains a secure haven, and ZeroEyes plays a pivotal role in ensuring that safety,” Blackshaw added.

The technology will be layered on top of surveillance cameras and boost the existing security system in the building.

According to the company’s website, the ZeroEyes software analyzes more than 36,000 images per second through a security camera and, when a firearm is detected, will automatically alert authorities, who will then determine whether the threat is valid. If it is, they will then notify internal security teams and local police forces about the threat.

In the press release, ZeroEyes claims it is the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform with a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFETY designation.