Author: Techtime

Autotalks, Volkswagen, Bosch and Commsignia set to demonstrate V2X-enabled cyclists’ protection technology

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Autotalks, a global provider of V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communication solutions, announced that it is collaborating with Volkswagen (VW), Bosch eBike Systems and Commsignia to demonstrate how V2X can prevent one of the most common bike-vehicle collisions. The demonstration will take place at the SECUR (Safety Enhancement through Connected Users on the Road) Final Event, which will be held between March 29 and March 30 near Paris.

The demo by Autotalks, Volkswagen, Bosch eBike Systems and Commsignia will show an obstructed intersection use case, where the vision of the car or eBike coming from one direction is blocked and crossing the intersection might be dangerous. Thanks to the Autotalks technology integrated by Bosch eBike Systems and the Commsignia software, the V2X-enabled bicycle will communicate with a VW vehicle to alert it of its presence in order to avoid a possible crash in the obstructed intersection.

In Europe, VW’s models Golf and ID electrical vehicles are already equipped with V2X, yet do not include bike detection. Bosch eBike Systems is one of the leading manufacturers of eBike systems in the premium segment, and is committed to safe and responsible eBiking. The company envisions to provide eBikes with digital visibility, in order to ensure that the eBike is also part of future V2X communication.

The demo will use Autotalks’ innovative ZooZ technology. ZooZ is an advanced V2X device that was specifically developed to prevent bike and scooter accidents. Installed on the handlebar of any bicycle, it provides real-time alerts to cyclists when a vehicle equipped with V2X is posing a potential danger. Additionally, it alerts V2X-equipped vehicles and smart infrastructure to the presence of a cyclist, allowing drivers to be notified and take precautions when the cyclist may be at risk. ZooZ plug & play device is equipped with a software stack provided by V2X software provider Commsignia.

Everyday mobility may include complex situations, such as at intersections when a car driver may not see a cyclist. V2X technology helps take the next step in cyclists’ protection. and allow cyclists to be noticed so that they can feel even more safe and confident at intersections.

The SECUR project is a European industrial consortium which develops a proposal for V2X testing and assessment protocols for the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Program). The consortium studied the potential of connectivity, especially of V2X technologies, to improve the safety of different road users.

“The collaboration with VW and Bosch eBike Systems within the framework of the SECUR project is not only a vote of confidence in Autotalks’ pioneering micro-mobility V2X-powered technology, but also marks a step in making the world even safer for vulnerable road users. This is good news for cyclists, who will be able to feel even more confidence on the road,” said Onn Haran, Founder and CTO of Autotalks. “By adopting SECUR’s strong data-driven results, EuroNCAP should be the main catalyst leading to a widespread deployment of V2X by European OEMs, in the same way that CNCAP led the widespread deployment of V2X in China.”

Stratasys Rejected Nano Dimension’s Acquisition Proposal

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Stratasys Board of Directors has unanimously rejected the unsolicited proposal it received from Nano Dimension to acquire Stratasys for $1.1 billion in cash ($18.00 per share). Stratasys announced last week that “Following a careful review, the Board concluded that Nano’s proposal substantially undervalues the Company in light of its standalone prospects and is not in the best interests of Stratasys and its shareholders.”

Stratasys is an additive manufacturing solutions provider with innovative 3D printing solutions for industries such as aerospace, automotive, consumer products, healthcare, fashion and education. Its 2022 annual sales totaled $651.5 million. Israel based Nano Dimension is a group of companies focused on rapid prototyping, high-mix-low-volume production solutions for the mechanical and electronics industries. Its 2022 annual sales totaled $31.5 million.

Yoav Stern, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nano Dimension, said he is surprised by Stratasys’ response: “While we remain open to discussions, we are disciplined with regards to our growth strategy and will consider our options, relative to both Stratasys and alternative strategic acquisition targets currently under review.” During the recent weeks, Nano Dimension bought shares of Stratasys in the open market, until it had reached 14.5% ownership stake.

Aware to this quite move, Stratasys adopted in July 2022 a “poison pill” policy, under the name “Shareholder Rights Plan”. It was designed to reduce the likelihood that any entity, person or group would gain control of Stratasys through the open-market accumulation of the Company’s shares. It is yet unclear whether Nano Dimension will make another move to reach Stratasys. Nano Dimension itself is involved now in a bitter control struggle with some of its investors, led by the investments firm Murchinson, who seek to overthrow the CEO and take over the Board of Directors of  Nano Dimension.

Elbit to help Japan building a modern Defense Industry

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Above: Japanese soldiers during an exercise at a US Marine Corps Base. Credit: US DoD

Elbit Systems, Nippon Aircraft Supply and Itochu Aviation have signed a strategic cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote mutual cooperation for the benefit of Japan’s defense efforts. As part of the MOU, Elbit Systems will provide the main components, technology and knowledge to NAS and Itochu. NAS will provide the capabilities for local integration, manufacturing, test and maintenance and Itochu will lead the marketing of the products in Japan. The cooperation marks an urgent need of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

Japan is now facing new threats from North Korea and China, but following many years of neglect, its defense forces and defense industry are small and lack modern capabilities. According to Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, over the past thirty years, Japan has maintained an annual defense budget of about 1% of its GDP. This is below the 2% NATO benchmark and even further from regional counterparts such as South Korea, India, and Taiwan. “Decades of low spending have left Japan’s defense force with aging physical infrastructure and low munitions stockpiles. Upgrading Japan’s defense sector will take years to complete, only yielding full benefits well-after 2027.”

Technology and knowhow transfer

The MOU with Elbit is aimed to address the growing Japanese interest in the field of defense. Osamu Matsushita, President of Nippon Aircraft Supply said the partners will contribute to Japan’s defense by providing high-quality made-in Japan products. “We will act in the role of integration, local production, testing and maintenance with the most advanced and combat-proven solutions developed by Elbit Systems.”

Ran Kril, Executive VP International Marketing & Business Development of Elbit Systems, said that Elbit is in close contact with its local partners and offers them innovative and cutting-edge technological solutions. “We remain committed to the transfer of technology as well as the manufacturing of our solutions in the local market.”

Toyota chooses Electreon’s Wireless Charging Technology

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Photo above: Totota’s RAV4 car on Electreon’s Wireless Charging Road

Toyota, Denso and  Electreon Wireless agreed to jointly develop an advanced wireless vehicle receiver based on Electreon’s technology for use in Electric Vehicles. The agreement follows a successful technology evaluation conducted by Toyota and Denso at Electreon’s headquarters in Beit Yanai, Israel. A demonstration of the RAV4-PHEV charging on the wireless road was held at the conclusion of the evaluation.

The parties intend to promote technical development and adoption of wireless charging technology through various joint activities: co-development of an aftermarket wireless kit for current electrified vehicles to utilize wireless charging technology today; integration of the wireless technology into new cars released to the market; collaboration to shape the standardization of wireless EV charging; collaboratively promote a joint pilot project in Japan, the U.S. or the EU, including commercial proof of business.

Toyota announced that dynamic wireless charging technology will will help to solve some issues related to electrified vehicles, by reducing the battery size required in an EV or extend relative driving range. This technology may also help to distribute power demand more evenly, reducing the load on the grid and making it easier to incorporate renewable energy sources. Denso said that”Being greatly impressed to discover the extent of Electreon’s innovation and technology maturity, the company eagerly anticipates combining its expertise with Electreon’s innovative technology to take wireless charging to the next level.”

The building of Electreon's Inductive Wireless Charging Road
The building of Electreon’s Inductive Wireless Charging Road

Oren Ezer, CEO and Co-founder of Electreon, said: “This partnership will make wireless charging accessible to a diverse and wide range of drivers and will demonstrate the many benefits of wireless charging as a cost-effective clean solution for charging EVs as well as a catalyst in reducing EVs’ carbon footprint.” Within the next few months, the Parties will execute a detailed joint development agreement for all the joint activities mentioned above.

Electreon has developed a wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles (EVs). The company’s proprietary inductive technology dynamically (while in motion) and statically (while stopped) charges EVs quickly and safely. Electreon collaborates with cities and fleet operators on a “sale” business model, and on a Charging as a Service (CaaS) business model.

NXP to integrate u-blox modules in its new OrangeBox

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NXP Semiconductors has chosen to integrate u-blox positioning and wireless communications modules in their new OrangeBox connectivity domain controller (CDC) development platform. OrangeBox simplifies in-car architectures by unifying current and emerging wireless interfaces into a single, security-enhanced connectivity domain controller.

The u-blox JODY-W3 module will to provide OrangeBox with Wi-Fi 6 and dual-mode Bluetooth 5.3 technologies, and the ZED-F9K GNSS receiver will be used to deliver decimeter-level positioning accuracy. Modern automobiles use a variety of wireless technologies to deliver key driver features including infotainment and advanced safety functionalities. OrangeBox is aimed to simplify in-car architectures by unifying current and emerging wireless interfaces into a single, security-enhanced connectivity domain controller.

OrangeBox incorporates the scalable i.MX 8XLite applications processor, an S32K safety co-processor, and the wireless connectivity required to implement secure car access, V2X, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth® LE, UWB and cellular connectivity between the vehicle and the outside world in a secure and safe manner. “OrangeBox provides a comprehensive and secure consolidation of automotive wireless technologies for tomorrow’s software-defined vehicle architecture,” said Jeff James, Senior Director of Marketing for Connected Automotive at NXP Semiconductors.

OrangeBox connectivity domain controller
OrangeBox connectivity domain controller

Automotive Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.3

JODY-W3 is one of the first modules on the market to offer IEEE 802.11ax – or Wi-Fi 6 – and provides dual-mode Bluetooth 5.3, and targets the automotive market. It supports a wide spectrum of automotive use cases, including enhanced in-car infotainment, with ultra-HD video streaming on multiple displays, screen mirroring, and wireless back-up cameras. Wi-Fi 6 also supports Over-the-Air (OTA) software and firmware upgrades, even in dense deployment scenarios and challenging environments, such as underground car parks.

The ZED-F9K (GNSS) module is a high-precision positioning solution with embedded RTK and IMU sensors. An ideal for ADAS, V2X, and Augmented reality navigation, the module delivers decimeter level accuracy for automotive mass market applications when complemented with augmentation services. With integrated RTK and IMU sensors, the ZED-F9K is ready to use together with the u-blox ANN-MB antenna and a correction service for fast performance evaluation.

u-blox is represented in Israel by Elina Engineering 

 

Contact: Yossi Chen, +972-44902499, yossi@elina.co.il

Hailo Introduces AI-Centric Vision Processors for Next-Generation Intelligent Cameras

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Hailo, the pioneering chipmaker of edge artificial intelligence (AI) processors, today announced its groundbreaking new Hailo-15™ family of high-performance vision processors, designed for integration directly into intelligent cameras to deliver unprecedented video processing and analytics at the edge.

With the launch of Hailo-15, the company is redefining the smart camera category by setting a new standard in computer vision and deep learning video processing, capable of delivering unprecedented AI performance in a wide range of applications for different industries.

With Hailo-15, smart city operators can more quickly detect and respond to incidents; manufacturers can increase productivity and machine uptime; retailers can protect supply chains and improve customer satisfaction; and transportation authorities can recognize everything from lost children, to accidents, to misplaced luggage.

“Hailo-15 represents a significant step forward in making AI at the edge more scalable and affordable,” stated Orr Danon, CEO of Hailo. “With this launch, we are leveraging our leadership in edge solutions, which are already deployed by hundreds of customers worldwide; the maturity of our AI technology; and our comprehensive software suite, to enable high performance AI in a camera form-factor.”

The Hailo-15 VPU family includes three variants — the Hailo-15H, Hailo-15M, and Hailo-15L — to meet the varying processing needs and price points of smart camera makers and AI application providers. Ranging from 7 TOPS (Tera Operation per Second) up to an astounding 20 TOPS, this VPU family enables over 5x higher performance than currently available solutions in the market, at a comparable price point. All Hailo-15 VPUs support multiple input streams at 4K resolution and combine a powerful CPU and DSP subsystems with Hailo’s field-proven AI core.

By introducing superior AI capabilities into the camera, Hailo is addressing the growing demand in the market for enhanced video processing and analytic capabilities at the edge. With this unparalleled AI capacity, Hailo-15-empowered cameras can carry out significantly more video analytics, running several AI tasks in parallel including faster detection at high resolution to enable identification of smaller and more distant objects with higher accuracy and less false alarms.

As an example, the Hailo-15H is capable of running the state-of-the-art object detection model YoloV5M6 with high input resolution (1280×1280) at real time sensor rate, or the industry classification model benchmark, ResNet-50, at an extraordinary 700 FPS.

With this family of high-performance AI vision processors, Hailo is also pioneering the use of vision-based transformers in cameras for real-time object detection. The added AI capacity can also be utilized for video enhancement and much better video quality in low-light environments, for video stabilization, and high dynamic range performance.

Hailo-15-empowered cameras lower the total cost of ownership in massive camera deployments by offloading cloud analytics to save video bandwidth and processing, while improving overall privacy due to data anonymization at the edge. The result is an ultra-high-quality AI-based video analytics solution that keeps people safer, while ensuring their privacy and allows organizations to operate more efficiently, at a lower cost and complexity of network infrastructure.

The Hailo-15 vision processors family, like the Hailo-8TM AI accelerator, which is already widely deployed, are engineered to consume very little power, making them suitable for every type of IP camera and enabling the design of fanless edge devices. The small power envelope means camera designers can develop lower-cost products by leaving out an active cooling component. Fanless cameras are also better suited for industrial and outdoor applications where dirt or dust can otherwise impact reliability.

“By creating vision processors that offer high performance and low power consumption directly in cameras, Hailo has pushed the limits of AI processing at the edge,” said KS Park, Head of R&D for Truen, specialists in edge AI and video platforms. “Truen welcomes the Hailo-15 family of vision processors, embraces their potential, and plans to incorporate the Hailo-15 in the future generation of Truen smart cameras.”

“With Hailo-15, we’re offering a unique, complete and scalable suite of edge AI solutions,” Danon concluded. “With a single software stack for all our product families, camera designers, application developers, and integrators can now benefit from an easy and cost-effective deployment supporting more AI, more video analytics, higher accuracy, and faster inference time, exactly where they’re needed.”

Shaare Zedek Medical Center will implement Juniper’s Apstra software

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Juniper Networks and Shaare Zedek Medical Center have announced a collaboration, in which the hospital will carry out a digital transformation process of its data center using Juniper’s communication networks management solutions

The digital transformation will be based on Juniper’s Apstra automated data center management system, which includes AI capabilities. Apstra is a “goal-oriented” system, which receives the parameters of the network, defined by the user, and translates them into an array of links between the switches and the servers in the communication center.

The system will allow the hospital to automate data center network operations. According to Juniper, Apstra enables Shaare Zedek to deploy the hospital’s network fabric faster, ensure data center uptime along with network visibility and automation, optimize network operations, resolve issues faster, and reduce the overall cost of the data center network. 

The hospital’s data center will be based on Juniper’s QFX switches series, which provides 100 Gbps capacity to support clinical and administrative applications and massive databases.

Shaare Zedek is a leading research and teaching hospital, running 30 departments and 70 outpatient clinics, and provides innovative treatments and therapies to one million patients per year. The hospital is also a model for large-scale emergency medicine and a leader in applying AI to patient care. Using Juniper’s technology, the hospital built state-of-the-art data centers on its two campuses to ensure the availability of life-critical systems and applications for uninterrupted patient care and robust data analysis to guide the best courses of treatment.

Shimi Ben Baruch, Vice President & Chief Technology Officer, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, said: “Digital health is transforming patient care at Shaare Zedek. Our data center operations must ensure the continuous availability of our life-critical systems and applications.”

Itzik Malka [pictured above], Director of Juniper operations in Israel said: “The network plays a vital role in keeping a modern organization healthy. It enables organizations to scale and support new applications and technologies that can assist in driving better patient outcomes and experiences.”