Too busy to answer the door? Let SwannShield do it for you

What is SwannShield and what makes it unique in the home security space?

SwannShield is the world’s first AI-powered home security voice assistant.

Compatible with Swann’s industry-leading SwannBuddy4K and Swann EVO Video Doorbells, SwannShield can naturally talk with visitors in real-time across different scenarios in any context. It interchangeably detects and speaks in 101 languages, 12 voices and three demeanours.

Using AI it is able to dynamically receive visitors, packages, address threats, emergencies, and more. SwannShield also uses the personalised inputs you give it in the app ahead of time to know the home address, names of residents, the times you want it active, instructions for deliveries, and more.

It acts as a permanent and attentive house sitter that is always there, ready to serve and defend.

SwannShield is great for those that do not wish to open the door for unknown visitors, are too busy, or would like to protect their property while they are away.

How does the AI learn and become more intuitive over time?

SwannShield uses a generative AI-based approach (similar in nature to the technology used by ChatGPT) that is tailored to the task of being an AI voice assistant and Defender.

The solution is developed in-house at Swann’s Port Melbourne office and is continuously evolving to improve accuracy, responsiveness time, and scope.

How does it recognise a threat, and how does it respond?

Threat detection is currently being developed in an alpha state. This solution will be able to infer a threat from what it is seeing and hearing.

What are some of the other applications SwannShield could or should be used for?

In general, customers are choosing to use SwannShield when they are away from home, are home but too busy or unable to come to the door, and/or those times they don’t feel safe answering the door.

Since its introduction we’ve been amazed at what our customers have told us it’s being used for. The SwannShield AI Video Doorbell has a range of applications beyond basic home security.

Parents can remotely monitor when their kids arrive home and communicate with them through the doorbell’s two-way audio. AI detection can also help verify who is at the door, ensuring kids don’t answer to strangers.

Elderly individuals who may have mobility challenges can use the doorbell to see and speak to visitors without needing to get up. Family members can also receive alerts and check in to ensure their loved ones are safe.

AI-driven voice assistance and possible language translation features could help bridge communication gaps. Visitors can leave messages, and smart text-based responses can make interactions smoother for those who prefer reading.

Then there are those times you just don’t want to answer the door. Whether you're busy, resting, or simply don’t want to be disturbed, the AI doorbell allows you to screen visitors and respond only if necessary. The voice sounds young and dynamic and creates the impression it’s a real family member inside.

How do we get SwannShield?

The SwannShield feature has been made available free of charge to all active users who purchased the Swann EVO Wireless Video Doorbell and the SwannBuddy4K Video Doorbell prior to the Swannshield release, via a firmware upgrade in combination with the freely available latest version of the Swann Security app.

Are there any plans to integrate SwannShield into the Swann security camera range?

Yes, we have future plans to integrate SwannShield into all future doorbells and it is coming soon to cameras in a feature to be known as SwannShield ‘AI Defender’.

Defender will proactively address people in a given scene even when they do not ring the doorbell. This would be particularly useful for uninvited visitors, unexpected people loitering around a property late at night, and/or while residents are away.

Where do you see the future of AI-powered security heading?

We are revolutionising what has historically been an evidence-based category to one of active prevention.

Through the use of generative AI, we will reliably detect threats and act on them to prevent dangerous events. Once threats are detected and verified, we can use natural voice, lights, sirens, and high-priority attention from authorities to reliably protect and defend.

What else can we look forward to from Swann in 2025?

We are expanding SwannShield with the Threat Detection and Defender function, along with expansion of our MaxRanger4K products.

The MaxRanger4K Mini will provide customers with an entry-level Wi-Fi security kit with similar features as the MaxRanger4K in an all-new compact form factor.

We’re also launching the new MaxRanger4K Doorbell, which will also come with SwannShield. This has been designed with a hard metal casing, which gives users the option of installation on the property gate or fence.

On top of that we have a range of new wireless cameras that complement the existing range, or are suitable for new smart home entrants.

Images: Swann

SwannShield personalisation options

You can configure:

• Address – for receipt of deliveries, location awareness, and to guide people that are lost.

• Resident names – the people that live there, for receipt of deliveries.

• Where packages should be left.

• The voice used – there are 12 to choose from, incorporating various accents including an Aussie one.

• The demeanour used – polite, disinterested, and aggressive.

• Languages can be manually selected in the app, but SwannShield can automatically switch languages depending on how visitors communicate.