Author: Techtime

BrightWay Raised $24 Million from Koito Group

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Elbit Systems’ subsidiary, BrightWay Vision, has raised a $25 million from Koito Manufacturing Co., and Magenta Venture Partners. The lead investor was Koito who bought  36.92% of the company for $24 million. BrightWay is an Elbit’s spin off that was established in 2011 as an effort to find new markets for certain military technologies owned by Elbit. The company’s patented system, BrightEye, combines sensing and laser illumination technologies for the automobile industry, to generate a clear long-range image of the road ahead at night and in low visibility conditions.

It is based on Active Gated Imaging Technology developed in Elbit. AGIT is a fast gated-camera equipped with a unique Gated-CMOS sensor produced in TowerJazz, and a laser pulsed Illuminator, synchronized in the time domain. It record images of a certain range of interest which are then processed by computer vision algorithms. It is used for camera-based Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and provides high quality 3D imaged in low/high light-level and harsh weather conditions.

For Koito, this ia a strategic investment. The Japanese Automotive lighting solutions provider, announced plans to utilize BrightWay’s technology in its future products road map. “Koito has decided to invest in BWV and strengthen our relationship in order to promote our R&D of high-precision camera systems. BWV’s  Gated Imaging Technology is superior at night imaging, less susceptible to weather conditions such as rain and fog and capable of distance measurement even with mono cameras.

“By integrating Koito’s automotive lighting technology and BWV’s camera technology, we will work together to conduct research on next-generation automotive lighting equipment.” Tokio based Koito is a major supplier for the Automotive industry. Koito Group consists of 32 companies located in 12 countries worldwide. It employs approximately 24,600 employees, and had achieves annual sales of $7.7 billion in fiscal year 2018.

Habana Labs Announced Super-fast AI Processor

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The semiconductor newcomer, Habana Labs from Israel, is determined to rewrite the rules of AI processors market. The company announced this week the Habana Gaudi AI Training Processor, that is supposed to deliver an increase in throughput of up to four times over systems built with equivalent number GPUs. Gaudi is based on an innovative architecture that enables near-linear scaling of training systems performance and high throughput even at small batch sizes. This allows the scaling from a single-device to very-large systems consist of hundreds of Gaudi processors.

Computing and Connectivity in a Single Chip

Gaudi brings another surprising industry first to AI training: The the AI processor included on-chip integration of RDMA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE v2) functionality, to enable the scaling of AI systems to any size, using standard Ethernet. It means that unlike GPU-based systems rely on proprietary system interfaces, Habana’s systems rely on standard interface. Ethernet switches are multi-sourced, offering virtually unlimited scalability in speeds and port-count, and are already used in data centers to scale compute and storage systems.

“Gaudi offers strong performance and industry-leading power efficiency among AI training accelerators,” commented Linley Gwennap, principal analyst of The Linley Group. “As the first AI processor to integrate 100G Ethernet links with RoCE support, it enables large clusters of accelerators built using industry-standard components.” The Gaudi processor includes 32GB of HBM-2 memory and is currently offered in two forms: HL-200 – a PCIe card supporting eight ports of 100Gb Ethernet; HL-205 – a mezzanine card compliant with the OCP-OAM specification, supporting 10 ports of 100Gb Ethernet or 20 ports of 50Gb Ethernet.

Habana Labs HLS-1 computer combines 8-Gaudi systems in a single rack
Habana Labs HLS-1 computer combines 8-Gaudi systems in a single rack

Habana is also introducing an 8-Gaudi system called HLS-1, which includes eight HL-205 Mezzanine cards, with PCIe connectors for external Host connectivity and 24 100Gbps Ethernet ports for connecting to off-the-shelf Ethernet switches, thus allowing scaling-up in a standard 19’’ rack by populating multiple HLS-1 systems. Gaudi is the second purpose-built AI processor to be launched by Habana Labs. Last year it announced the Habana Goya AI Inference Processor. Goya has been shipping since Q4, 2018, and has demonstrated industry-leading inference performance, with the industry’s highest throughput, highest power efficiency (images-per-second per Watt), and real-time latency.

Facebook is using Habana’s Inference Processor

“Training AI models require exponentially higher compute every year, so it’s essential to address the urgent needs of the datacenter and cloud for radically improved productivity and scalability. Gaudi’s innovative architecture delivers the highest performance while integrating standards-based Ethernet connectivity for unlimited scale,” said David Dahan, CEO and Co-founder of Habana Labs. “Gaudi will disrupt the status quo of the AI Training processor landscape.”

“Facebook is seeking to provide open platforms for innovation around which our industry can converge,” said Vijay Rao, Director of Technology, Strategy at Facebook. “We are pleased that the Habana Goya AI inference processor has implemented and open-sourced the back-end for the Glow machine learning compiler and that the Habana Gaudi AI training processor is supporting the OCP Accelerator Module (OAM) specification.”

Habana will be sampling the Gaudi to selected customers in the second half of 2019. Habana Labs was founded in 2016 in Tel Aviv by silicon experts. In November 2018, it has secured $75 million in series B funding led by Intel Capital. The round brought the total investments in the company to $120 million.

Intel to Open an Acceleration Program for Israeli Startups

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Photo above (from Left): Tzahi Weisfeld, GM of Ignite; Avner Goren, Intel VP in the Architecture, Graphics and Software Group; Bob Swan, Intel CEO; and Yaniv Garty, GM of Intel Israel. (Credit: Ezra Levi)

Intel Corporation today announced a program to accelerate early-stage startup companies in Israel targeting key industry inflection points, including artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems and other data-centric technologies and business models. Based in Tel Aviv, the program called Ignite will leverage Intel’s global market access and technology to provide the startups with unique advantages.

Following a rigorous selection process, Intel will host 10-15 top pre-seed to seed startups through a 20-week program where they will receive hands-on mentorship from Intel and industry experts. “Israel has the deep skill base in AI, autonomous systems and the underlying technologies critical to these inflections that make it a natural choice to launch our Ignite program,” said Intel CEO Bob Swan.

The Ignite program will begin operations this year, with plans to scale to additional countries over time. Intel said it has no plans to seek equity in or rights to intellectual property from these companies. Tzahi Weisfeld, former global head of Microsoft for Startups, will serve as general manager and managing director of Ignite, reporting to Yaniv Garty, general manager of Intel Israel. Weisfeld will be assisted by Avner Goren, Intel vice president in the Architecture, Graphics and Software Group, who will connect the Ignite program to the technical community inside Intel.

“Intel is positioned to help companies charge forward,” said Yaniv Garty. “I’m confident that Intel’s expertise in hardware, software and manufacturing will help the startups grow and succeed. The fact that Intel is a large corporation with over 100,000 employees worldwide and very substantial Israeli presence (12,000 employees including subsidiary Mobileye) will greatly help the companies taking part in this program.”

Lethal AI: Rafael unveiled Deep-Learning Target Recognition

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Photo above: SPICE-250 under the wings of F-16

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems announced that it has successfully tested and demonstrated a new Automatic Target Recognition capability for its SPICE-250 air-to-surface munition. The newly-unveiled ATR feature is a technological breakthrough, enabling SPICE-250 to learn the specific target characteristics ahead of the strike, using advanced AI and deep-learning technologies.

During flight, the pilot selects the target type to be attacked and allocates a target to each weapon. The weapons are launched towards the vicinity of the targets, using their INS for initial navigation. When approaching the target area, the weapons use the ATR mode for detection and recognition of the targets. Each weapon homes-in on the pre-defined target, either autonomously or with a human-in-the-loop, aided by the ATR algorithm.

SPICE (250, 1000, 2000) is a family of autonomous, air-to-ground weapon systems that attack targets with pinpoint accuracy without depending on GPS navigation in GPS-denied environments. It has a standoff range of 100 kilometers, and can be equipped with either general purpose or penetration 75kg class warhead. SPICE-250 uses a common aircraft interface and Smart Quad Rack (SQR) which simplifies the effort needed for aircraft integration. Four SPICE-250 weapons are carried on each SQR. SPICE is combat-proven with the Israeli Air Force and in operational service with a number of international customers.

Elbit Announced Deep Learning Photography Pod

AI is gradually become a reality in the modern battlefield. This week, Elbit Systems  launched its CONDOR MS, a new Long Range Oblique Photography (LOROP) system that introduces Multi-Spectral (MS) sensing capability and Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics to stand-off strategic intelligence gathering missions. CONDOR MS integrates three high resolution Electro Optic (EO) sensors into the Company’s certified and widely operational CONDOR2 system: Visible & Near Infra-Red (VNIR), Medium-Wave Infrared (MWIR), and Short-Wave Infrared (SWIR).

Elbit said in a press release that this unique combination extends coverage area in day, night and adverse weather conditions. Deep learning algorithms and precise geo-location enable the CONDOR MS to identify a large number of targets at extremely high rates.The CONDOR family of systems is integrated onboard a variety of platforms. Among them the F-16 A/B/C/D/I, F-4, SU-30 as well as B-737.

 

TDK Honored Digi-Key with European Distribution Award

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TDK has recognized Digi-Key Electronics Europe with their European Distribution Award 2018 in Gold in the high-service distribution category during the annual TDK European Award Dinner. This was Digi-Key’s fifth consecutive award from TDK. The awards are based on TDK’s annual Senten Manten distributor performance evaluation program. The Japanese term, Senten Manten, stands for the perfect result, with a maximum of 1,000 points available.

Distributors are assessed on performance and collaboration with TDK in four categories: business performance, inventory management, contractual terms, and operational excellence. “We’re honored to receive this award as it is very well reflected in our daily activities,” said Hermann Reiter, Director, Global Strategic Business Development & Supplier Management at Digi-Key. “The Distributor Partner Award evaluates up to 1000 performance points. It means that a thousand things done right – every day”.

“Digi-Key is one of our largest distribution partners, and this award is a reflection of their extreme hard work in achieving the highest score to date in our performance assessment,” said Ludger Trockel, President and Managing Director of TDK Europe GmbH. TDK’s broad portfolio of products is available for immediate shipment globally from Digi-Key.

TDK Products in Digi-Key's Website
TDK Products in Digi-Key’s Website

TDK Corporation is a leading electronics company based in Tokyo, Japan. It was established in 1935 to commercialize ferrite, a key material in electronic and magnetic products. Its portfolio features passive components such as ceramic, aluminum electrolytic and film capacitors, as well as magnetics, high-frequency, and piezo and protection devices. The product spectrum also includes sensors and sensor systems such as temperature and pressure, magnetic, and MEMS sensors, power supplies and energy devices.

Digi-Key Electronics, headquartered in Thief River Falls, Minn., USA, is an authorized global, full-service distributor of electronic components, offering more than 6.8 million products, with over 1.4 million in stock and available for immediate shipment, from over 750 quality name-brand manufacturers. Digi-Key also offers a wide variety of online resources such as EDA and design tools, datasheets, reference designs, instructional articles and videos, multimedia libraries, and much more. Technical support is available 24/7 via email, phone and webchat.

For more information, visit www.digikey.com

Ford Motor Company Opened a Research Center in Tel Aviv

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Ford Motor Company has today opened its Ford Research Center, Israel in the heart of Tel Aviv’s burgeoning technology community. The new center will serve as a research hub augmenting Ford’s global Research and Advanced Engineering team. It will also support Ford’s automotive and mobility businesses by identifying technologies and start-up companies in the fields of connectivity, sensors, automated-systems research, in-vehicle monitoring, and cyber security.

The Center, opened by Bill Ford, executive chairman of Ford Motor Company (photo above), will play a significant role as Ford pursues its vision to become the world’s most trusted company, designing smart vehicles for a smart world. The center will include a vehicle lab to support proof of concept efforts and AI work.

“We recognize the importance of being in one of the world’s leading innovation communities and ecosystems,” said Bill Ford.  “This new center is not only an expansion of our existing Research and Innovation centers but provides an opportunity to join a growing innovation community in Israel.”

The research center will operate closely with Ford’s subsidiary, SAIPS, led by Udy Danino, founder and CEO, who has also been appointed as Israel Technical Director for the new center. SAIPS is an Israeli leading computer vision and machine learning company, acquired by Ford nearly three years ago.

Ford has had a presence in Israel for nearly a decade. In 2015, Ford it was among the first major automakers to host a developer challenge in Israel. The Ford Research Center in  Tel Aviv joins Ford’s global network of research centers, including Aachen, Germany,  Nanjing, China and Dearborn, USA.

Newsight and ZKW develop Vehicle Lightning based on CMOS Imager

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ZKW Group from Wieselburg, Austria, is entering a new era of smart lightning solutions for the future car and the autonomous driving, and is looking for new ideas and technology. This week it announced a a collaboration agreement with Newsight Imaging from Ness Ziona, near Tel Aviv, a provider of advanced CMOS image sensor chips for machine vision. The future product’s traits are kept secret, but the companies said they will jointly develop innovative safety and driver monitoring systems that ZKW will offer its customers, leading OEMs in the automotive market.

“The collaboration with Newsight Imaging in the field of advanced, customizable CMOS image sensor technology enables us to increase road safety through smart lighting,” said Ralf Klädtke, CTO of ZKW Group. The Automotive industry is under a profound re-shape process, and this includes also lightning solutions. The once simple halogen headlight, the Automotive lightning has evolved into a high-tech product.

New World of Smart Lightning

Laser lights, LEDs, and other technologies are facilitating innovative applications like glare-free high beams. ZKW is making its way into miniature lasers, Micro Electrical Mechanical Systems (MEMS), organic light emitting diodes (OLED) and specialized LED configurations. ZKW is a premium supplier of brands like BMW, Volvo, Mercedes, Audi, Ford and Volkswagen. With roughly 10,000 employees, it generated in 2018 total revenues of over 1.34-billion euros.

Newsight Imaging brings to the collaboration a new kind of CMOS Imager. Its NSI3000 chip (photo above) is a CMOS sensor produced in TowerJazz that was designed for Machine Vision applications. It is composed of 8 rows of 2048 pixels each, of which 4 rows are of 4µm x 8µm pixels and 4 rows are of 4µm x 4µm pixels. Binning the large pixels provide Ultra-high sensitivity while using the small pixels provide a fine signal with effective resolution of 8192 pixels with low power dissipation and compact size.

It provides direct pixel control by programming, frame rate up to 40,000 fps and Multiple Readout modes. These days the company is developing an innovative sensor based on the field-proven patented eTOF technology (Enhanced Time-of-Flight) for the acquisition of depth points. “Given ZKW’s advanced systems technology and market footprint, we believe that this is a major milestone for Newsight,” said Eli Assoolin, CEO and Co-founder of Newsight Imaging.