Ubiquiti AI Key - AI-Key

Ubiquiti UniFi AI Key (AI-Key)

The UniFi AI Key is an advanced edge AI device designed to integrate with the UniFi Protect surveillance system. Its primary role is to enhance image and audio analysis capabilities — AI Key processes events detected by UniFi Protect cameras using built-in AI algorithms, enabling features such as natural language video search, intelligent alarm generation, speech transcription from recordings, and video enhancement.

The device connects to the local network via a Gigabit Ethernet port and is powered exclusively via PoE++ (Power over Ethernet). After connecting to the infrastructure, the AI Key must be adopted in the UniFi Protect application — it then begins analyzing detection events from assigned cameras. The device features a 1.3″ LCD touchscreen for status display and a factory reset button.

Main Features

• Edge AI – local analytics appliance integrated with UniFi Protect
• Proactive threat detection and alerting using advanced AI models
• Supports analysis of up to 1800 smart detection events per hour (offloading the UniFi Protect controller)
• Advanced features supported: natural language video search (NeXT AI Search), speech transcription, face and license plate recognition
• 1 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port (PoE++ power and data)
• 1.3″ built-in touchscreen display for device status
• Powered via PoE++ (802.3bt) – maximum power consumption: 45 W

Technical Specifications

Interfaces

Internal Hardware

Power and Protection

Physical Characteristics

AI-Key – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the UniFi AI Key?

The UniFi AI Key is an edge AI appliance designed to enhance the capabilities of the UniFi Protect system. It processes camera video and audio data using built-in AI models, enabling features like natural language video search, AI-based alarm generation, speech transcription, and video quality enhancement.

Does AI Key integrate with Alarm Manager?

Yes. AI Key integrates with the UniFi Protect Alarm Manager. Users can define up to five natural language search queries that serve as alarm triggers. When an event matching one of these queries is detected (based on a set confidence threshold), an alert is generated in the Protect system.

How many cameras can AI Key handle simultaneously?

AI Key can be paired with any number of UniFi Protect cameras that support smart detections. However, it can process up to 1000 detection events per hour. Events are processed in the order received, using an internal queue with a maximum size of 200 events — excess detections are discarded. For larger deployments with high event frequency, using additional AI Keys is recommended to avoid delays.

Does AI Key provide equal benefit to all UniFi Protect cameras?

AI Key’s performance depends on the quality of data from the cameras. Newer UniFi Protect AI series cameras provide richer data, including voice detection and advanced object categories. Cameras in the G4 and G5 series support standard smart detections like people and vehicles, which AI Key can also process. However, speech transcription is only available when the source camera supports voice detection (currently limited to AI series cameras).

Which cameras are compatible with AI Key?

AI Key works with all UniFi Protect cameras that support smart detections, including the G4, G5, and AI series. It also supports third-party ONVIF-compliant cameras when connected through the Ubiquiti AI Port module.