Author: Techtime

Aurora Labs Appointed Peter Mertens Chairman of the Board

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Tel aviv based Aurora Labs, has appointed the auto industry veteran Dr. Ing. Peter Mertens Chairman of the Board. Peter brings more than 35 years of experience steering auto companies, including Daimler and GM. He also served as Head of R&D at Volvo Cars and most recently CTO and Head of R&D and Design at Audi until 2018 when he retired for health reasons. Since the end of 2019 Mertens is back bringing his expertise to the supervisory boards of mobility companies, including Faurecia, proteanTecs andValens.

Founded in 2016 by the CEO Zohar Fox and the COO Ori Lederman, Aurora Labs has developed a remote software management, diagnostics, and over-the-air (OTA) updates for the automotive and IoT industries. Using machine learning algorithms to analyze risks and changes in the software functionality and behavior, Aurora Labs’ Line-Of-Code Behavior technology improves software quality, safety and security. Until now the company has raised $34m from investors such as LG Technology Ventures, Toyota Group, Porsche SE and Marius Nacht (co-founder of Check Point).

The task of managing automotive software becomes more difficult every year. According to Mckinsey, Software is rapidly reprogrammingthe car industry. The four biggest disruptions in recent years—autonomous vehicles, connectivity, electrification, and shared mobility – all rely heavily on leading-edge software.

“As the landscape shifts, automakers that lack sufficient software capabilities will face major risks, including start-of-production (SOP) delays and budget overruns. Even more troubling, software issues could lead to massive recalls or leave companies vulnerable to customer-safety risks resulting from hacking attacks.”

Amir Sherman left Arrow Electronics to establish his own consultancy firm

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After 20 years of leading technical marketing in Arrow Electronics in both Israel and across Europe, Amir Sherman has decided to leave the company to build his own business development consultancy and TinyML and Embedded-ML Technologies firm. “I have fulfilled my goals with the company”, he told Techtime. “It’s time for a new adventure.”

Amir joined Arrow Electronics Israel in 2001 as a Field Application Engineer with responsibility for microcontrollers and microprocessors, and later to become FAE Manager and Technical & Marketing Manager. In 2013, he relocated to Germany having been promoted to Supplier Business Manager for ST Microelectronics in EMEA. In Germany he had established the Embedded Group and the System On Module programme in Arrow.

In this role he was part of the team that developed more than 30 Arrow Boards and Platforms, while also helping to develop the Hardware team in Budapest and the Software team in Gdansk. The Gdansk team drives both AI and IoT activities within the company. In his last role in Arrow he was the Director of Embedded Technologies and Engineering Solutions, and also General Manager for Israel.

What are you doing now?

“At Arrow I managed several Arrow Platforms based on the popular 96Boards Community like the Dragonboard410 or Avenger96. I am now doing the same for global semiconductor companies that wish to build similar programs. I am also helping Israeli companies with specific business development requirement: introducing them to global partners and introducing semiconductor companies to local distributors and developing business plans for them. Lately, Edge Impulse has nominated me Country Manager and a Global promoter of an innovative platform that simplifies AI-ML in Embedded systems under TinyML and Embedded-ML.“

What is TinyML? Why is it so important?

“It is a fascinating technology, as it takes Embedded and IoT to the next level by adding Machine Learning at the Edge – not in the Cloud. TinyML refers to the machine learning technologies on the tiniest of microprocessors using the least possible power (usually in the mW range and below) while delivering optimum results.

“According to ABI Research, a total of 2.5 billion devices are expected to be shipped with a Tiny Machine Learning (TinyML) chipset in 2030, propelled by the increasing focus on low latency, advanced automation, and the availability of ultra-power-efficient Artificial Intelligence (AI) chipsets, also known as Very Edge AI or Embedded AI.

“These chipsets perform AI inference almost completely on board, but still continue to rely on external resources for training, such as gateways, on-premise servers, or the Cloud. Edge Impulse was designed for software developers, engineers and domain experts to solve real problems using ML on edge devices, with no need to be an expert in machine learning. The technology features cloud-based UX, extensive documentation and open source SDKs.”

Polytex partners with Renwear to bring automated hygienic workwear management to the UK

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Israeli workwear management technology company Polytex has signed an agreement with a British company for distribution of its automated workwear solution. The recent agreement with Renwear will give Polytex access to a huge yet untapped market. The London based company Renwear currently focuses on providing workwear rental and laundry services across many industries throughout Britain. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a renewed focus on the importance of hygiene in the workplace.

In addition to their current customers, Renwear is planning to expand and provide Polytex systems to the UK hospitals, healthcare, hospitality, leisure, and other industry sectors.

“There is huge potential for growth in the UK market and Renwear are already looking to expand across the many industrial sectors,” said Yariv Matzliach, CEO of Polytex. He added that initial contacts are underway for installing the Polytex workwear solution at British hospitals and the healthcare sector.

Renwear is a leading provider of fully managed service for workwear rental and textile laundry service to the healthcare, hospitality, food, and manufacturing industries. The company’s customer base ranges from independent companies to major corporate companies.

Shortly after signing the agreement, Renwear supplied its first Polytex unit. The automated workwear dispensing unit was installed at a large meat processing plant in the London region. The switchover from a manual process to a technological solution for workwear is expected to lead to substantial cost savings and sustainable growth.

“There is huge potential for growth in the British market and Renwear is already looking to expand beyond the food industry,” said Yariv Matzliach, CEO of Polytex. He added that initial contacts are underway for installing the Polytex workwear solution at British hospitals and the healthcare sector.

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to explosive worldwide growth for Polytex in the past year as a growing number of hospitals and healthcare facilities installed for the first time or expanded their use of the company’s solution that provides improved protection for workers.

The Polytex system helps to simplify the distribution of workwear and customers report up to 40% reduction in expenses on clothing inventory and laundry. The actual volume of workwear needed was substantially reduced as was the amount of storage space required.

The Polytex solution is fully automated and enables hands-free dispensing and collecting of individual uniforms. The system itself is sealed, keeping garments in a clean environment that is opened only by laundry professionals during collection and restocking. The system is available on a 24/7 basis and often installed at multiple locations enabling staff to receive and return garments in seconds, thereby avoiding unnecessary crowding.

Refilling the machines with fresh clothing is very quick and takes only a couple of minutes. The units can also be moved to special temporary wards dedicated to infectious diseases like COVID-19. The Polytex automated system is backed by a centralized cloud-based management and monitoring applications for end-to-end tracking.

There are currently over 3,000 Polytex units operating in 20 countries such as the U.S., Spain, France, Germany, and Israel, alongside countries in eastern Europe and Asia.

NXP Selected InnoWave as a Global Partner for i.MX 8M Plus ISP Tuning & Calibration Support

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In order to expand the market penetration of its i.MX 8 Series Applications Processors, NXP Semiconductors selected InnoWave Group as a prime partner for ISP (Image Signal Processor Unit) tunning and calibration design services for i.MX 8M Plus Processor.

According to Miki Peer, Founder and CEO of InnoWave (photo above), “InnoWave has unmatched expertise in the world of vision, in-depth expertise in the areas of firmware development for video processing, embedded systems and more. We develop, port and optimize custom imaging algorithms and deliver optimal solutions for various use-cases.”

It includes camera characterization (shading, distortion), ISP Tuning for various camera parameters, 3A tuning and algorithms: Auto exposure, Auto white balance and Auto focus. HDR, Low light, LED flash algorithms, IQ tuning for human vs machine vision, Low light image / video enhancement, Custom image recognition algorithms, Custom noise removal, EIS, array camera and other algorithms.

Software and Hardware Design Center

InnoWave was founded 12 years ago in the US to develop Electro-optics payloads for UAV systems for Aerospace and Defense industry. The group re-shaped it businesses about 4 years ago to become a global provider of engineering design services, including embedded system’s design services in special areas of expertise, such as Embedded Software, Machine Learning and Computer Vision, FPGA Design, ASIC design, Power, Optics and RF.

Peer: “InnoWave is an official business partner with Analog Devices, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Microchip, Osram, and many others. We experience with numerous embedded MPUs and MCUs, including those from Intel, NVIDIA, NXP, STMicroelectronics, Silicon-Labs, TI and Microchip.”

InnoWave group is a global provider of technology solutions, products and engineering services. Its capabilities include marketing research, design and development, product and process engineering, design for manufacturability, and technical support across a widely diversified range of high-mix, high-value and complex products.

The chart below describes InnoWave’s range of Expertise:

Utilis secures $6m from Beringea to harness satellites to protect global

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Utilis, a pioneer of satellite-based infrastructure intelligence, has today announced that it has raised $6m from Beringea, the transatlantic venture capital firm. The funding will be used to accelerate the growth of its data-driven analytics which enables detection of water leaks and infrastructure asset management, reflecting the rising focus on resource preservation around the world during the climate crisis.

Utilis was founded in 2013 by Lauren Guy, a scientist focused on atmospheric physics and dynamics studying the ability of space-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) data to detect underground water on Mars. The patented algorithm developed through this research has underpinned the development of the Utilis solution, harnessing satellites to spot underground leaks in water supplies around the world. Utilis today has 40 employees across its offices in the USA, Israel, and the UK, led by Elly Perets, an experienced software entrepreneur, as CEO.

Utilis has scaled to apply its pioneering leak detection product to more than 400 projects worldwide, spanning more than 55 countries including the USA, Italy, UK, Chile, China and South Africa. In total, its analytics have verified 30,000 leaks enabling infrastructure and utilities firms to save more than 7,000 million gallons of water, 17,000 MWh of energy, and 11,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

Over 20 per cent of treated water in Europe is lost in distribution systems – 75 per cent of this water could be recovered, presenting a significant opportunity to safeguard supplies threatened by climate change. Utilis, which harnesses a global network of satellites, provides a far more productive system for detecting leaks than traditional methods, which rely heavily upon costly physical sensors or manual checks by engineers.

Utilis’ patented algorithm uses SAR sensors on board contracted satellites to filter out the signature of drinking water and locate likely leaks. This round of investment will enable Utilis to continue investing in its innovative products to expand into the ground engineering market, while adding to its team across its offices in the USA, Israel, and the UK, and expanding its sales and marketing to accelerate growth in its core markets of the UK, Europe and North America.

Utilis now holds five patents and has multiple patents pending for its SAR analytics to be used across a range of sectors. From its original focus on leaks for water utilities, Utilis is now a fully-fledged provider of earth observation data to engineering firms, property managers, and transportation planners alike. Its easy-to-use GIS format data can be imported in any standard analysis or modelling software, fulfilling Utilis’ mission to advance planet Earth’s resource resilience through SAR analytics.

Elly Perets, CEO of Utilis, commented: “We have been looking for a partner that was the right fit for Utilis, and we are pleased that we finally found that in Beringea. We look forward to growing our product line into new verticals in industries such as transportation and mining to help them solve problems caused by underground water.”

Eyal Malinger, Investment Director at Beringea, commented: “With worsening climate change, water scarcity is, and will increasingly become, a top national priority for many countries. There is a clear environmental, social and financial imperative to better protect water resources around the world.The Utilis team has developed a remarkably accurate and effective solution to this problem, removing the need for costly and inefficient physical sensors through a pioneering use of satellite data. Utilis’ data solution is truly scalable and there is now a clear opportunity for Utilis to scale up its commercial and environmental impact worldwide.”

Elbit Systems Acquires BAE Systems Rokar

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Elbit Systems announced the acquisition of Rokar International from BAE Systems (U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems) for approximately $31 million in cash.  Jerusalem based Rokar specializes in the development, manufacture, integration, and support of high-end GPS receivers and guidance systems for advanced defense applications.

Elbit’s President & CEO, Bezhalel Machlis, said that Rokar’s technologies are already integrated in Elbit’s solutions. “There is an increasing demand for networked precision fire solutions. The acquisition will enhance our capabilities in this growing area of activity.”

Rokar provides GPS solutions for space, air, land, and naval platforms, and hardened GPS solutions for rockets, smart munitions and projectiles, planned to perform in challenging conditions such as radiation, shocks resistance, high-dynamic maneuvering, and jammed environments. BAE’s Rokar developed BAE’s Silver Bullet guidance kit, that gives 10 meter target hit precision for standard 155mm artillery shells. The Rokar Silver Bullet guidance system is designed to transform an artillery shell into a highly accurate munition.

According to Dun and Bradstreet, Rokar has 120 employees in Jerusalem and it generates $US16 million in annual sales. Elbit’s revenues in 2020 were $4,662.6 million, as compared to $4,508.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2019. The majority of the revenues in 2020 generated by the airborne systems and land systems divisions.

Backlog of orders for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $11,024 million, as compared to $10,029 million as of December 31, 2019. Approximately 65% of the current backlog is attributable to orders from outside Israel. Approximately 65% of the current backlog is scheduled to be performed during 2021 and 2022.

SMART SHOOTER won Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project

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In February 2020, the US Department of Defense’ Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD) selected SMART SHOOTER, a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems, to develop the solution for its Individual Weapon Overmatch Optic (IWOO) project.

Last November, SMART SHOOTER reached an important milestone in successfully completing the IWOO Critical Design Review.  This means the IWOO design has been approved by IWTSD and will now move to prototype production with delivery of the first functional system next Fall.

The IWOO program was initiated by IWTSD to provide tactical operators overmatch capability against long range static and moving targets, both day and night. SMART SHOOTER won the competition and began development using proven technologies from its SMASH line of Fire Control optics and inserting new capabilities such as a variable x1- x8 zoom – all stitched together with combat-proven fire control algorithms to assure the hit.

The IWOO system automatically detects, highlights, and tracks potential targets – including drones – using a see-through display which enhances the user situational awareness. Built-in fire control processing continuously calculates the optimal firing solution to provide the user with clear, discreet guidance, firing only with the best chance of neutralizing the target, delivering first-round hit capabilities time after time.

“We value this important opportunity to partner with IWTSD to develop the IWOO system, and are honored to provide operators with an unmatched optic capability against modern threats and the types of terrorist attacks that we are increasingly seeing on streets and battlefields around the world” Ms. Michal Mor, CEO of SMART SHOOTER said.

“We are very pleased with the progress SMART SHOOTER has made with the IWOO design” said Michael Trexler, Special Operation Forces Combat Support Coordinator / Program Manager, at IWTSD.  “We look forward to conducting operational testing and evaluation using the dual-capabilities of IWOO prototypes in 2021 against ground targets at increased ranges and to take-down drones.”

one shot – one hit

SMART SHOOTER is a world-class designer, developer, and manufacturer of innovative fire control systems that significantly increase the accuracy and lethality of small arms. With a rich record in designing unique solutions for the warfighter, SMART SHOOTER technology enhances mission effectiveness through the ability to accurately engage and eliminate ground, aerial, static or moving targets during both day and night operations.

Designed to help military and law enforcement professionals swiftly and accurately neutralize their targets, the company’s combat-proven SMASH Family of Fire Control Systems increase assault rifle lethality while keeping friendly forces safe and reducing collateral damage. With a unique technology that makes it possible for every battlefield element to be connected with every other battlefield element, SMASH creates a micro-tactical network that dramatically enhances real-time situational awareness and ensures that the entire platoon shares a common operational picture.

The company’s experienced team of engineers combine electro-optics, computer vision technologies, real-time embedded software, ergonomics, and system engineering to provide cost-effective and easy-to-use solutions for modern conflicts.

Fielded and operational, Smart Shooter SMASH family of solutions provides end-users with a “One Shot – One Hit” capability across multiple mission areas, creating a significant advantage for the infantry soldier and ultimately revolutionizing the world of small arms and optics.