Bosch’s AI-based solution protects Aachen Cathedral

Since the end of last year, artificial intelligence has been safeguarding the world renowned Aachen Cathedral, which is more than 1,200 years old, reports Bosch Building Technologies.

Germany’s first UNESCO World Heritage site has been equipped by Bosch Building Technologies and the engineering firm plan ing with an intelligent video solution that protects it against a multitude of potential threats.

Fires in particular can be devastating for such a historic building of inestimable intangible value – and this is precisely why Aachen Cathedral has opted for the new system, which can detect a potential danger particularly quickly: Over 50 Aviotec cameras from Bosch in 16 rooms use intelligent video analytics to visually detect smoke and flames directly at their source.

Thanks to AI algorithms, the video cameras can also differentiate, for example, candlelight from a developing fire.

This substantially reduces the likelihood of false alarms.

Thus, the cameras respond much earlier than conventional ceiling mounted fire detectors, which require smoke to rise to them.

Dr. Marcus Nadenau, Head of the European system integrator business Energy and Building Solutions, Bosch Building Technologies commented: “We are proud of this globally unique project at Aachen Cathedral.

“Aviotec offers an invaluable speed advantage in fire detection, especially in buildings with complex layouts and high ceilings.”

Cathedral Master Builder Dr. Jan Richarz, who took over the project from his predecessor Helmut Maintz, emphasised the significance of this technology for the protection of Aachen Cathedral: “With this video surveillance solution, Aachen is a global leader.

“It protects our World Heritage site as reliably and innovatively as befits its historical, religious and cultural significance.

“I am very satisfied with the result and the collaborative partnership.”

Bosch’s solution

Aviotec primarily secures the cathedral’s interior with its valuable relics and unique artworks, admired by over a million visitors annually.

The video solution ensures that visitors can get as close as possible to the many treasures without endangering them: Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits.

During the day, it protects the cathedral from vandalism and theft and at night from break-ins.

Thanks to Aviotec, visitor flows can now be managed much more efficiently, as only a limited number of people are allowed in the cathedral at any one time: The previously laborious manual counting of visitors is now undertaken by the video solution.

Protecting an important building together

Bosch Building Technologies, in collaboration with the engineering firm plan ing, developed and implemented the comprehensive video solution for the cathedral.

Every step was closely coordinated with the Cathedral Construction Lodge, whose challenging task is to preserve the cathedral and its treasures for the future.

Ralf Wolters from the engineering firm plan ing added: “Aviotec from Bosch offers early fire detection and video security functions in one system, perfectly meeting the special protection needs of this sacred building.

“Cutting edge technology meets centuries old treasures. This combination has excited me.”

An advantage of the Aachen solution is its close integration with the local fire department: As soon as one of the Aviotec cameras detects a developing fire, the Aachen professional fire department is informed via the normatively integrated fire alarm system.

A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location where the danger was detected.

This saves valuable time.

Due to the high Aviotec standard, the fire department allowed the solution to be connected to its systems as a special detector. As the world’s first system for video-based fire detection, Aviotec was certified by VdS in 2017.

Close coordination with Heritage Conservation

To determine the ideal position for each camera within the building, digital floor plans were initially created, followed by an elaborate 3D simulation.

Heritage conservation was involved early on, allowing the video system to blend almost invisibly into the existing ensemble.

During the installation phase, more than 30 craftsmen worked in the cathedral at times, implementing electricity, lighting and the new video solution in coordination.

For the entire team, it was a special experience to work in a UNESCO World Heritage site.