Nikon invested USD $7.5 million in the Canadian company Wrnch that is involved in the development and sale of computer vision and deep learning software:
“Established in 2014, wrnch uses deep learning to develop and provide tools and software development kits (SDKs) that enable computers to see and understand human movement and activity. wrnch has also used its advanced work in pose estimation technologies to establish ties with major entertainment and communications companies. The company continues its operations in technical development, while raising funds continuously.”
Wrnch’s website describes the company as “Teaching Cameras To Read Human Body Language“. Their product WrnchAI is a “real-time AI software platform that captures and digitizes human motion and behaviour from a standard video“.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X-BG4B3lRz0
Full press release:
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation (Nikon) has invested USD $7.5 million in wrnch, Inc. (CEO: Dr. Paul A. Kruszewski, head office: Quebec, Canada, hereafter referred to as wrnch), a computer vision and deep learning startup.
Established in 2014, wrnch uses deep learning to develop and provide tools and software development kits (SDKs) that enable computers to see and understand human movement and activity. wrnch has also used its advanced work in pose estimation technologies to establish ties with major entertainment and communications companies. The company continues its operations in technical development, while raising funds continuously.
In accordance with its Medium-Term Management Plan, Nikon is striving to enhance its Imaging Business not only in the BtoC, but also in the BtoB markets. Nikon decided to make this investment based on the determination of new synergies created by combining resources of each company, which will expand the range of Nikon’s Imaging Business.
By fusing Nikon’s optical technologies and the automatic tracking shooting technologies of Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited, a subsidiary of Nikon, with wrnch’s pose estimation technologies, Nikon hopes to enhance its automatic shooting solutions, primarily for the sports market. Additionally, Nikon will endeavor to provide new imaging experiences with technologies such as AI.
Nikon will continue to pursue imaging possibilities by making further use of its optical technologies and collaborating with companies that offer their own innovative solutions and technologies.
