On Monday, September 7, the ICD focus group High Tech Sensoring resumed its activities after the summer. This time, the group was hosted by Horus View & Explore in Groningen. The knowledge session focused on mobile mapping, sensor technology, and AI in the physical world. In addition, attention was given to subsidy opportunities via Interreg and the EngD Autonomous Systems of the University of Groningen.
Recognizing the physical environment with sensors and AI
Horus View & Explore is a Groningen-based technology company specializing in mobile mapping. Using tools such as 360-degree cameras, LiDAR, and other sensors, geodata is collected, processed, and visualized.
A team of approximately fifteen specialists in Groningen is working on the development of the camera systems and the associated data science. Recognizing and interpreting the environment is an interesting example of AI in the physical world.
Horus's technology can be used, for example, for the digital mapping of roads, public spaces, and infrastructure. Images, point clouds, and location data are subsequently converted into usable information. Furthermore, objects and assets can be automatically recognized with the help of AI. Through software platforms, the information is then made available for inspection, analysis, management, and decision-making.
Horus technology in practice
During the company visit, the participants also had the opportunity to see the technology in action. For example, a HERE scan car was viewed in which Horus systems are mounted and integrated.
During this process, the participants received an explanation about the equipment and the way the scanning vehicle is deployed. This demonstrated how cameras, sensors, geodata, and data processing come together in practice.
Opportunities for cooperation via Interreg
In addition to the technology, knowledge about funding opportunities was also on the agenda this afternoon. Carst Ivo Meijer by FME did the focus group discuss the possibilities of Interreg in the Netherlands-Germany border region.
This is a relevant topic for the participants. Two companies from the focus group are already involved in such an international cooperation project. An example of this is Ferry GO, which focuses on technological building blocks for the development of autonomous ferry services on the Wadden Sea.
Interreg can offer businesses opportunities to develop new technology and exchange knowledge together with partners on the other side of the border.
EngD Autonomous Systems for complex business challenges
Also Mauricio Muños Ariaz from University of Groningen (RUG) joined the knowledge session. He pointed out the possibilities of the EngD Autonomous Systems to the companies present.
The connection to High Tech Sensing is obvious. After all, sensor technology plays an important role in autonomous systems. To be able to perceive, decide, and act independently, autonomous systems must be able to reliably recognize and interpret their environment.
In addition, for companies in the Northern Netherlands, there are opportunities to finance part of the costs of a two-year EngD program via JTF subsidies. Within such a program, an EngD trainee from the University of Groningen works on a complex technological issue from practice.
Sharing knowledge within High Tech Sensoring
With the visit to Horus View & Explore, the ICD focus group High Tech Sensoring has resumed its activities after the summer. The combination of a practical look behind the scenes, technological knowledge, and information on collaboration and subsidy opportunities made for a well-rounded program.
With this, the meeting aligns with the goal of the focus group: bringing together specialists from the Northern Netherlands high-tech industry, sharing knowledge, and forging new connections around sensor technology and its applications.