Real-Time, Intelligent, Deep Learning Autonomous Drones Launched by Squadrone System, Neurala and NVIDIA

Companies Demonstrate Embedded Real-Time Information Processing on Commercial Drones for Increased Efficiency

Amsterdam, September 28, 2016 -- An intelligent deep learning drone for real-time data collection and data analytics for logistics, site exploration and surveillance was demonstrated at the GPU Technology Conference in Europe today by Squadrone System, a pioneer in autonomous drones; Neurala, a leader in deep learning and neural network software for robots and drones; and NVIDIA, the world leader in visual computing.

The Neurala, Squadrone System and NVIDIA indoor demonstration featured an autonomous flying drone scanning items in bins and recognizing misplaced items. In the real-world, warehouse managers would be alerted when a product runs out or is incorrectly stocked, which reduces the labor intensive process of checking inventory around storage warehouses. While this activity would normally take half a day, it now only takes minutes with this drone.

These three companies are collaborating to disrupt the commercial drone market, estimated to reach $10 billion by 2020, with the real-time collection and analysis of information by an autonomous drone that dramatically accelerates flows by up to ten times. Today’s drones collect massive amounts of data during flights whether it’s over bins, quarries or large fields. Usually that data is post-processed to only retain relevant information. This not only delays responsiveness, but information can become obsolete because the data changes by the time it’s processed.

Real-time processing of video streams is now possible by combining Squadrone System self-flying drones with Neurala's intelligent software. The drone can navigate without pilot intervention in indoor and outdoor settings to capture images and process video using the NVIDIA ® Jetson™ TX1 platform.

“For the first time it’s possible for drones to capture real-time information that can be directly leveraged by information systems or applications,” said Antoine Level, CEO of Squadrone System. “Not only will they save on the cost of manual logistics, they will get the right data in real-time while the information is still relevant, gaining efficiency and accelerating processes.”

"Real-time analysis of visual information on a drone will dramatically transform industries. In a fast-paced world where information accuracy is critical, data becomes obsolete the moment it’s processed. Neurala and Squadrone System’s partnership helps businesses make better decisions faster," said Max Versace, CEO of Neurala.

"This level of embedded intelligence has never been reached before due to the lack of processing power on such small devices and AI technology readiness. We're proud to provide the platform that brings this dream of intelligent drones to life," said Serge Palaric, vice president of sales for embedded for EMEA at NVIDIA.