MIT Spending $3 Million on 500 AI Surveillance Cameras

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MIT has allocated more than $3 million to install over 500 artificial intelligence-powered surveillance cameras across academic buildings, residence halls, and outdoor spaces along Memorial Drive. The project, first reported by The Tech, involves the deployment of Hanwha’s Wisenet AI cameras, which began in November 2025 and is expected to conclude by September 2026. The initiative includes infrastructure such as wiring and data systems to support the cameras’ real-time processing capabilities.

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Technical specifications obtained by The Tech indicate the cameras will collect real-time data on facial and object classification, including motion detection, loitering, crowd formation, face mask identification, and camera tampering. They are also designed to automatically categorize individuals based on clothing color, gender, and age, with recognition capabilities extending up to 35 feet (11 meters). A statement from MIT spokesperson Kimberly Allen confirmed that data collected by the system will be retained for up to 30 days unless an exception is granted.

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The cameras, part of Hanwha’s Wisenet AI line, are marketed for their ability to identify and classify multiple objects simultaneously using deep learning algorithms. They support resolutions ranging from 2 megapixels to 4K and can recognize faces, license plates, vehicles, and other objects in real time. Nearly all cameras will accommodate pan, tilt, rotate, and zoom functions, with continuous monitoring enabled through Ai-RGUS, an AI camera software.

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The installation timeline, as reported by The Tech, includes phased deployment across MIT’s main campus, with completion scheduled for September 2026.