An adaptive sensing system can comprise an optical or infrared camera to generate image information relating to a region of observation, a passive sensor to receive electromagnetic radiation, an active sensor to emit and receive electromagnetic radiation, an image processing unit configured to detect the presence of human beings and objects other than human beings in the region of observation based on the generated image information and a control unit. When presence of a human being is detected, the control unit controls the passive sensor so as to receive electromagnetic radiation from at least the region where the human being is detected, and when presence of an object other than a human being is detected, the control unit controls the active sensor so as to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation to and from at least the region where the object is detected.