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Dubai-based startup to empower smart cars with bird's-eye vision
29 Jun, 2021 / 08:50 am / OMNES Media LLC

Source: http://me.mashable.com

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The adoption of electric cars by consumers and in public transport is already being accelerated across megacities in the gulf, and soon flying cabs may also become a reality. At the same time AI is quickly expanding its role in everyday lives of residents, by powering computer vision, machine learning and friendly humanoids for smart homes, as well as the government service infrastructure.

It's only a matter of time before self-driving cars become a common sight on roads across the globe, and Emirati cities are also testing autonomous vehicles equipped with sensors. Amidst these developments, a startup that took shape in Dubai and Detroit is aiming to provide 360 degree vision to smart cars, which humans can't even imagine of achieving.

When a person is behind the wheel, they get 180 degree vision and can at the most keep an eye on the road along with the rear view mirror to keep up with their surroundings. But the technology that Emirati startup Derq is set to deploy in collaboration with American firm Motional, will provide a sharp bird's eye view to driverless wagons.

The vehicles to be tested in Las Vegas, will be empowered by a technology that combines cameras with LiDAR scanners and radars placed 300 metres away. LiDAR expands the scope for gauging traffic since its sends out laser to measure distance from other vehicles on the road.

The radar on the other hand, will provide a larger perspective, which will support machine learning in painting a more comprehensive picture.

The smart vehicle will get further assistance from Derq's network of cameras installed across the city, which will provide insights on cyclists and people walking around. Computers spread along the roadside will also relay data, that will help self-driving cars map out the quickest route.

Apart from guiding the vehicles developed by Motional, Derq's system is also capable of warning authorities about car crashes and reckless motorists driving on the wrong side.