Israeli startup VayaVision is developing software for autonomous vehicles that uses new 3D modeling, analytics and processing techniques to make self-driving cars safer.
One of the biggest challenges facing autonomous vehicles (AVs) is rapid changes in the environment, such as a child running into the road, a sudden downpour of rain, or bright blinding sunshine. VayaVision’s system helps a car understand, monitor and adapt to such changes. To do this, the company has developed advanced 3D sensing and cognition algorithms, which it runs on the Nvidia DRIVE PX artificial intelligence AI car computer. The system fuses raw data from multiple sensors, such as lidar, cameras and radar. Running on DRIVE PX, VayaVision’s algorithms process this data to create a precise 3D model of the environment.
The model is based on what VayaVision calls ‘upsampling’, where additional information is extracted and inferred from frame to frame measurements. These measurements help boost the resolution of the model, providing better detection, and enabling the use of less expensive sensors without compromising on safety.
Traditionally, software for AVs has relied on ‘object-level fusion’, where the data from each sensor is first processed separately before being combined into one integrated view. VayaVision, however, has found that combining the raw data from the car’s sensors before processing, in combination with its ‘upsampling’ technique, leads to more accuracy, with fewer missed detections and fewer false alarms.
VayaVision’s technology could also improve the passenger experience in a self-driving car. While safety is paramount, no one wants to travel in a vehicle that suddenly stops, jerks or makes hard turns due to false alarms.
VayaVision was founded by CEO Ronny Cohen, who has 30 years’ experience in the hi-tech industry, and was the co-founder of Comsys, a wireless communication startup. VayaVision recently presented its work at Nvidia’s inaugural GPU Technology Conference in Israel and fought off fierce competition from other members of the company’s Inception program to become one of five finalists in its Inception Awards.
Nvidia’s Inception program has more than 2,000 members worldwide, and helps accelerate startups by providing them with access to technology, expertise and marketing support.
