FLIR invests in machine learning firm CVEDIA

Aug. 28, 2018
Investment to enable development of thermal-based machine learning capabilities and tools

FLIR Systems announced on Monday that is has made a strategic investment in CVEDIA, a developer of machine learning applications that are used to enable sensor systems with artificial intelligence.

CVEDIA’s SynCity simulator software provides realistic, multi-modal, digital environments for autonomous system OEMs and related sensor makers to train their systems in a faster, safer and more affordable manner than by leveraging traditional data collection techniques. The company has developed SynCity to feature real-world physics; simulate a multitude of lighting and environmental conditions; and render objects such as people, animals, and automobiles in a manner that artificial intelligence systems interpret them as real and lifelike.

This investment will create opportunities for the companies to accelerate the development of thermal spectrum-based deep learning training tools for use by FLIR and selected partners in integrating artificial intelligence into FLIR sensors and system and also provide CVEDIA with growth capital to enable the expansion of their business.

“This investment in CVEDIA will enhance our ability to innovate sensing solutions that enable our customers to more quickly and accurately make their mission-critical decisions,” James Cannon, President and CEO of FLIR, said in a statement. “The addition of software algorithms that automatically inform a user or system of critical information is a valuable feature that augments the distinctive and rich data our sensors produce. We see wide applicability of these tools in our innovation of highly advanced solutions, and we look forward to the collaboration with the CVEDIA team.”