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Tangram Vision, a startup that creates software and hardware for robotic perception, has introduced a new 3D depth sensor named HiFi. This sensor boasts powerful computer vision capabilities and is available for $549. According to Adam Rodnitzky, cofounder and COO of Tangram Vision, HiFi is designed to make it incredibly easy to add AI-enhanced 3D data to robots.
HiFi integrates high-resolution 3D sensing with AI processing power and computer vision algorithms, all built into the device. This setup simplifies complex tasks such as calibration, navigation, and running neural networks, which are essential for robotics but typically require specialized engineering teams to manage.
Traditionally, robotics have heavily depended on sensors, which come with challenges like calibration and maintenance. With HiFi, the complicated software needed for these tasks is integrated directly into the device. The built-in neural processing unit supports AI models, enabling features like people detection, object classification, and scene segmentation right out of the box.
By tackling these intricate tasks internally, HiFi allows even small teams to use advanced computer vision capabilities and accelerate their robotics development processes. Tangram Vision is launching HiFi on Kickstarter, offering up to 50% off the $549 price to bring the sensor to a broad community of developers and robotics companies. The company previously used Kickstarter to launch an early 3D sensor prototype, finding the platform’s access to developers crucial.
An out-of-the-box solution like HiFi could significantly advance the adoption of computer vision capabilities and hasten development cycles in robotics. Many robotics companies rely on computer vision, but implementing and maintaining these systems can be costly. A recent McKinsey report highlighted the main challenges to adoption as the capital cost of robots and a general lack of experience with automation.
If Tangram Vision delivers with HiFi, it could mean substantial time and cost savings for organizations looking to integrate computer vision and AI into their robotic systems. With a product tailored for robotic applications, Tangram Vision, despite launching only in 2020, seems ready to make a significant impact in the AI robotics space.
The company is led by seasoned professionals with backgrounds in computer vision and robotics, including experience at pioneering company Occipital. Tangram Vision will need to utilize this expertise as it competes against larger, established sensor manufacturers. However, their focus on the emerging field of robotic vision might be their key to disrupting the market with the right software approach.
“We believe we’ve created something exceptional with HiFi,” said Rodnitzky. “We’re excited to get it into the hands of as many roboticists and developers as possible to let it truly shine.”