These SF Startups Are Using Computer Vision Tech to Improve Field Service, Agriculture and Public Safety

by Ghazala Irshad
November 24, 2020
drone construction worker
shutterstock

One of the hottest applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning is computer vision — the ability of AI systems to “see” like humans, allowing machines to automate tasks that require visual cognition. Computer vision can capture images and videos, analyze them using AI and then formulate insights to compare and predict. 

The technology has applications in a variety of industries, including medicine, self-driving vehicles and monitoring the health of livestock. The global market for computer vision technology is now poised to reach $19.1 billion by 2027, according to a recent report by Grand View Research.

Whether employed in drones, cranes or farming equipment, computer vision technology can provide a comprehensive aerial view to spot potential construction hazards, as well as eye-level detail for precise herbicide targeting. The following San Francisco-based startups are helping make computer vision an essential tool for the modern farmer, construction worker or maintenance professional.

 

telecoms pole
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Automating Telecom And Utility Service Management

Field service — a major part of the work undertaken by telecom, energy and utility companies — is so antiquated, most work orders still use paper forms.

“It’s a complex, manual and disparate system. It typically sees 20 percent of our client’s expenses,” Arka Dhar, the co-founder and CEO of field service automation platform Zinier, told TechCrunch. “We are optimizing these processes with AI to help these clients become more efficient and save money.”

 

We are optimizing these processes with AI to help these clients become more efficient and save money.”

Dhar said Zinier trains AI algorithms based on information from experts, and then refines them based on data — including images. That means AI can interpret photos to determine the cause of an issue and how to resolve it, which then helps a dispatcher in the office decide which staff member is in the best position to address it. Once in the field, both the dispatcher and technician can use Zinier’s computer vision technology to gain data-based insights and guidance on best-practice workflows in real time.

 

Skydio drone
Skydio

Drones Inspecting Infrastructure

Since its founding in 2014, Skydio has distinguished itself with its consumer-focused tracking drones that its COO calls “flying supercomputers.” The drones use computer vision and autonomous navigation to fly close to structures — without colliding with obstacles like trees or powerlines — to capture high-quality video and data.

Now, fresh off a $100 million Series C funding round this summer, Skydio is applying this technology to products designed for government and enterprise customers across multiple industries. The company has already secured contracts with the Department of Defense and state and local agencies for public safety purposes, and several departments of transportation across America are turning to drones for overhead bridge inspections. Construction companies are using Skydio drones to inspect roofs, an application that also interests insurance carriers and claims adjusters. 

 

Drones offer the promise of doing things way more efficiently, without having to send big teams into the field.”

In July, CEO Adam Bry told Cheddar that Skydio had experienced increased demand during the pandemic. “For bridge inspection, drones offer the promise of doing things way more efficiently, without having to send big teams into the field — you can do inspections in a more socially distanced way,” Bry said. “The same thing goes for first responders.”

 

tractor on farm
Shutterstock

Precision Weed Control

Weeds are an expensive challenge for the agriculture industry. Agtech company Blue River Technology says the industry spends $25 billion a year to broadcast-spray 3 billion pounds of herbicide. Meanwhile, 250 species of weeds are becoming increasingly resistant to these chemicals.

Blue River Technology says it’s upending traditional agriculture methods with the introduction of its smart farming machines. The equipment employs AI, robotics and computer vision with the ability to detect, identify and make decisions about every single plant in cotton and soybean fields to target-spray the precise amount of herbicide where it’s needed — reducing chemical use, saving money and preventing the spread of resistant species of weed. The company says its machine learning continuously assesses its work and makes adjustments to improve. 

 

It was time to scale...it’s not just buying new servers.”

In 2017, Blue River Technology was acquired by agricultural giant John Deere for $305 million. The company maintains control over technological development while John Deere will help mass-produce the machines.

“It was time to scale,” Willy Pell, director of new technology, told Fast Company. “And that means making lots and lots and lots of big pieces of metal. It’s not just buying new servers.”

 

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