By Steve Reinharz
Security.World Note: We are fortunate to have Steve Reinharz join Security.World as a monthly columnist to share his insights and knowledge on physical security, artificial intelligence, and autonomous security. We asked Steve to share with us his background and expertise as an “AI” system matter expert. We hope you learn as much from Steve as we do.
There aren’t many kids in their late teens who are interested in writing books about artificial intelligence, but I was. During my time at university (as we call it in Canada), I took an interest in the subject, while also exploring my budding interest in entrepreneurship.
When I was 10-years-old, I got into coding (and hockey!), spending my time making changes to software and creating new and innovative ways to control technology innovations. At 19, I penned my first book, An Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, which outlines what AI is for an introductory learner. I wanted to explore the applications, myths, emerging developments, and growing effects of AI within our world. For me, this interest was only the very beginning of a career that has centered around the introduction of AI to the security world and beyond.
Over the course of my career, I ran my own security integration company from 1996 to 2003 that focused primarily on the corrections market. Following that, I created a commercial/government contracting division for a regional integrator and led the team until we sold it two years later to an international security company.
One of the highlights of my career was working with the Los Angeles Police Department to lead the way in implementing technology and processes that resulted in thousands of arrests and the cleanup of chronically criminally afflicted parts of the city – including MacArthur Park and “Heroin Alley” in downtown LA.
Working with such clients as Long Beach Airport, NBC Universal Hollywood, the Port and City of Oakland, and countless others on applied solutions to meet security needs, I wanted to make sure these organizations had the latest and greatest devices to address their complex issues.
I began focusing on being an early identifier of new and emerging technology such as digital recording in the late 1990s, IP adoption in the early 2000s, facial recognition software with the LAPD in 2003, and license plate recognition software in 2004/2005 with other police forces.
My passion for emerging technology and problem solving, combined with my history in the security industry, led me to start Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD) in the summer of 2016 with the goal of being an innovator in the delivery of artificial intelligence and robotic solutions for operational, security, and monitoring needs. I have a passion for developing solutions that improve the simplicity and economics of patrolling and guard services, while incorporating the needs of my customers into highly customizable solutions.
I’m excited to contribute to Security.World as a columnist, sharing the latest news and technology coming from that focus on advanced AI technology and how it applies to the security world and beyond. I look forward to having you join me on this journey as we explore this AI world together.
About The Author
Steve Reinharz,
President and CEO,
Robotic Assistance Devices