MIT to deploy over 500 AI surveillance cameras across campus with real-time biometric tracking

Massachusetts Institute of Technology plans to install more than 500 AI surveillance cameras across campus, including academic buildings, residence halls, and outdoor areas along Memorial Drive, at a cost exceeding $3 million.

Installation began in November 2025 and is expected to continue through September 2026, with infrastructure upgrades accompanying the camera deployment.

Technical specifications indicate the cameras will perform real-time face and object classification, including detection of motion, loitering, crowds, face masks, and camera tampering.

The system can automatically classify individuals by clothing color, gender, and age up to a distance of 35 feet (11 meters) from the camera.

According to a statement from MIT spokesperson Kimberly Allen, collected data is retained for up to 30 days unless an exception is granted.

The cameras are part of Hanwha’s Wisenet AI line and support resolutions from 2MP to 4K, with capabilities including real-time face and license plate recognition, vehicle identification, and pan-tilt-zoom functionality.

The deployment will be monitored continuously using Ai-RGUS, an AI camera management software.