Kelvin Kiogora
Published on: June 2, 2025
The home security industry has a trust problem: most solutions rely on surveillance, forcing people to give up privacy in order to feel protected.
In this exclusive interview with Safety Detectives, Dr. Patrick Cotting, CEO of Mitipi AG, explains why that trade-off is broken, and how KEVIN® fixes it by simulating human presence with light, sound, and movement.
Instead of watching you, it makes it look like you’re home.
Zero surveillance + Zero footage stored = Peace of mind without compromise.
If you’re worried about home security and privacy, read on to understand why this is the best yet simplest solution to the privacy vs home security dilemma.
Why does your company exist? What’s the fundamental flaw in your industry it was designed to solve?
The home security industry has long relied on surveillance, forcing people to trade privacy for protection. Mitipi was founded to solve this contradiction by rethinking what it means to feel safe at home.
With KEVIN®, the world’s first digital roommate, we simulate human presence using light, sound, and movement—protecting homes without cameras or invasive monitoring. People can finally feel secure without feeling watched.
Why is this issue especially relevant today?
The global smart home security market is projected to grow from USD 29.04 billion in 2024 to USD 93.14 billion by 2032—a CAGR of 15.7%. This surge is driven by consumer demand for advanced security solutions and the integration of AI and IoT technologies.
But this expansion brings heightened privacy concerns. Reports have shown smart devices—from air fryers to TVs—collecting excessive personal data through linked apps, often without user consent. And the rise of secret surveillance through hidden cameras has caused serious psychological harm.
KEVIN® addresses these concerns with a privacy-first approach. Instead of surveillance, it simulates human presence, deterring intruders without compromising privacy.
Who is most affected by this issue, and why are they stuck with it?
- Startups
- Warehouses
- small businesses
- frequent travelers
- Urban homeowners
- elderly individuals living alone
They all need to deter break-ins without sacrificing privacy or spending heavily on complex systems.
But the security industry still pushes reactive solutions: surveillance cameras, alarm subscriptions, and multi-device setups that are intrusive, hard to install, or expensive.
Yet most burglaries (over 70%) occur during the day you are away, because burglars don’t look for alarms, they look for signs of presence. It takes them just 8 minutes on average to break in, steal something valuable and leave.
Too quick for the police to intervene, and wearing a mask will make your camera useless at identifying them. In fact, only 1 in 8 burglaries leads to an arrest or identification of the offender in the US, and the average is more or less the same pretty much everywhere else.
That’s where KEVIN® comes in. By simulating human activity with sound, light, and shadow, it offers a cost-effective, privacy-friendly deterrent ready to use within minutes. No footage, no surveillance, no monthly fees.
What should people be doing instead? What do you offer that competitors can’t or won’t?
Instead of relying on invasive, complex surveillance systems, people should focus on preventing burglaries through presence simulation, which is the most natural and proactive deterrent.
That’s where we come in. KEVIN®, our AI-powered presence simulator, makes it look and sound like someone is home, even when they’re not. It installs in minutes, with flexible options to buy or rent.
- No cameras, surveillance, or data harvesting, just believable human-like presence.
- Patented technology that simulates personalized soundscapes and daily routines.
- Plug-and-play setup with immediate deterrent impact.
- Peace of mind without compromise for privacy-conscious individuals and budget-sensitive businesses.
Can you share a milestone or testimonial that shows KEVIN® works?
Presence simulation is a proven burglary deterrent. The Zurich Cantonal Police endorse it as the best daytime burglary prevention method. Their crime prevention advice: “The best protection against break-ins is making your home look occupied.”
Our customers confirm this. One user from Geneva said:
“Before KEVIN®, we were broken into twice in three years. Since we installed it, not only have we had zero incidents, but even our neighbors are convinced we’re home when we’re actually on vacation. The simulation is that convincing.”
Independent studies show visible presence can reduce burglary risk by up to 97%.
KEVIN® makes that accessible: no surveillance, no complexity.
In fact, in the past five years, none of our customers have reported a break-in.
What’s the big vision for your company’s future?
We aim to become a global leader in privacy-first security, built on our patented simulation technologies for sound, light, and shadow, protected in both the US and EU.
Next, we’re enhancing KEVIN® with advanced AI for more realistic, personalized simulations that adapt to user habits. We’re also developing a gamified community platform where users can share alerts and collaborate, turning security into a collective experience.
We want security that respects privacy and offers flexible ownership, making it truly accessible, effective, and user-friendly for households and small businesses worldwide.
What’s the one takeaway you want people to remember?
Prevention is more powerful than reaction.
With KEVIN®, Mitipi doesn’t just protect property, we change how security works. We make homes and communities safer through smart, privacy-first innovation.
How can readers connect with you?
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickcotting/
Email: patrick@mitipi.com
