Fribourg, August 6, 2025 – As burglaries rise for the third year in a row in Switzerland, Fribourg-based Mitipi is reinforcing its anti-burglary device KEVIN with artificial intelligence. The presence-simulation system, already known for mimicking daily life with lights and sounds, will soon generate realistic conversations, adapt to users’ routines, and even reproduce their voices.

The upgrade is being developed with the Swiss AI Center for SMEs and iCoSys, backed by Innosuisse, and will be released this autumn. “AI will be a key driver of innovation in security systems,” said Professor Jean Hennebert, who leads the project. In recent interviews on RTS (live) and RadioFr, he underlined how intelligent, human-like responses can transform deterrent tools into truly convincing alternatives to traditional surveillance.

Unlike cameras, KEVIN avoids constant monitoring. Most data will remain stored locally, and the rest in Switzerland, a point Mitipi stresses to maintain user trust. “Integration of AI must not come at the cost of confidentiality,” said Mitipi CEO Patrick Cotting.

The move comes as AI reshapes the security industry globally, with systems shifting from passive recording to proactive deterrence. Mitipi’s approach stands out: KEVIN aims not to watch burglars, but to make them believe someone is home. So far, the company reports zero break-ins among its customers.

Winner of the 2024 European Security Award, KEVIN is already present in Switzerland, across the EU, and in the U.S. The company is now eyeing shops and offices as new markets, while future updates could even simulate a barking dog at the first sign of intrusion.