Arcure gives neurons to its artificial intelligence

The company specializing in pedestrian detection announced on May 30 the release of Blaxtair Origin, a version of Blaxter that uses a new image recognition algorithm.

Since its appearance in 2009, the Blaxtair has symbolized the avant-garde of systems against collisions between people and construction machinery. But his reign is over. The Arcure company, its creator, unveiled the Blaxtair Origin on May 30, next to which the previous version looks like a draft. ” It is the result of four years of research and development, observes Franck Gayraud, general manager of the company. Our IPO in 2019 was primarily intended to finance this project. We have gathered in this device all the requests of our customers. »

feed the brain

Sign of this renewal, the Blaxtair Origin does not share any component with the latest version, the third, of the Blaxtair. Both models rely on artificial intelligence trained to recognize camera images of pedestrians, but Origin’s software uses so-called “neural network” algorithms to learn, while the Blaxtair uses techniques simpler. ” We have been thinking about neural networks for a long time. In the past, the results were not satisfactory. However, two factors have contributed to the progress of this method.explains Franck Gayraud. After twelve years of existence, our databases have reached a sufficient size to be able to train this type of algorithm. In addition, there are now electronic calculation boards designed specifically for neural networks at prices compatible with our cost objectives. We now obtain the same performance in terms of safety as the Blaxtair – 100% of pedestrians detected in the detection zone and one false alarm per shift at the maximum – but with improved characteristics. »

In the front

The effects of the change are noticeable at first sight. If the head of the Blaxtair 3 includes two optics, that of the Blaxtair Origin only has one. Its volume is thus divided by four compared to its predecessor. That of the computer which analyzes the video streams by three. The detection angle changes from 90 to 120°. The maximum detection range of 7-12 m. Where the Blaxtair 3 only perceived obstacles within an area of ​​0 to 1.2m from the vehicle, the newcomer spots companions even at this perimeters. It also better distinguishes people in unusual postures, squatting for example or partially hidden. With these developments, the device is able to detect humans even placed in front of the machine. On the other hand, the Blaxtair Origin does not yet detect obstacles. “ We will therefore continue to market the Blaxtair 3. Some of our customers are attached to this function “says the general manager.

Autonomy in the goal

Another change is that the product is connected as standard via the 4G network. The associated web platform provides different information depending on the chosen subscription: remote after-sales service, detection statistics, GPS location, alarm images. ” We comply with GDPR. People’s faces are blurred in the collected images », specifies Franck Gayraud. The communication channel also gives the possibility of updating the tool remotely. Various functional additions are already planned: the automatic slowing down of the machine in certain areas thanks to the detection of QR Code should arrive by the beginning of 2023, the tracking of light vehicles is also announced. ” In the longer term, this platform has also been designed to be used for sensors in autonomous industrial vehicles.notes the general manager. The Blaxtair is compatible with this use. We are having discussions with manufacturers on this subject. Blastair Origin is available for pre-order. Its production should begin in June.

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