Movidius Brings Artificial Vision Intelligence to FLIR Systems' Latest Thermal Imaging Product

SAN MATEO, CA--(Marketwired - Apr 18, 2016) - Movidius, the leader in low-power machine vision, today announced a strategic collaboration with FLIR Systems, a global leader in thermal imaging technology, to bring advanced computer vision capabilities to Boson, FLIR's latest thermal imaging camera core. The collaboration allows FLIR to integrate the Myriad 2 Vision Processing Unit (VPU) into its thermal core, Boson, creating the most intelligent thermal imaging solution on the market today.

For the first time ever, FLIR will combine its world leading Long Wave Infrared (LWIR) technology and Movidius' industry leading VPU into a single thermal imaging core, enabling advanced image processing at low power dissipation and bringing artificial intelligence to thermal imaging products. 

Customized collaboratively with FLIR, the Myriad 2's 12 programmable vision cores allowed FLIR to implement advanced image processing, super resolution, noise filtering, and blending algorithms, while still leaving significant compute resources available on-chip for customers to implement additional image processing and analytic algorithms. Through this more intelligent core, FLIR is able to offer the most advanced features available in a thermal core today, while also dramatically reducing its size, weight and power (SWaP). 

Myriad 2 is a dedicated vision processor that is capable of advanced computer vision operations in the field of deep learning, spatial computing and depth extraction -- all within an ultra-low power envelope. Thanks to Myriad 2's extremely small power, size and thermal footprints, FLIR is able to embed this powerful processor directly inside the Boson thermal core, while still meeting their SWaP goals.

"The state-of-the-art in computer vision has come a tremendous way in the last few years," according to Movidius CEO, Remi El-Ouazzane. "FLIR has developed the first-ever integrated solution that now allows customers to take advantage of these new advancements while continuing to leverage FLIR's unique thermal imaging technology and support ecosystem. FLIR will be instrumental in deploying advanced computer vision in applications such as home security, personal vision systems, drones, law enforcement and defense."

"We're pleased to work with Movidius to deliver this amount of compute power into the size, weight and power requirements of the product you see today," said Andy Teich, President and CEO of FLIR Systems. "With system-on-a-chip interfaces and machine intelligence capability available through Movidius, we enable FLIR cores to make greater sense of the rich information being captured by our sensors."

Learn more about the FLIR's new Boson thermal imaging core at: www.flir.com/Boson

Learn more about Movidius at: www.movidius.com

About Movidius
Movidius is the leader in high performance, ultra-low power computer vision technology for connected devices. By marrying sophisticated software algorithms to a powerful, purpose-built Vision Processing Unit (VPU), Movidius brings new levels of visual intelligence to smart devices. Movidius' dedicated machine vision solutions enable a new wave of intelligent and contextually aware devices including drones and AR/VR devices. With offices in Silicon Valley, Ireland, Romania and China, Movidius is a venture-backed company with investors including Atlantic Bridge Capital, Draper Esprit, Robert Bosch Venture Capital, and Summit Bridge Capital.

About FLIR Systems

FLIR Systems, Inc. is a world leader in the design, manufacture, and marketing of sensor systems that enhance perception and awareness. The Company's advanced thermal imaging and threat detection systems are used for a wide variety of imaging, thermography, and security applications, including airborne and ground-based surveillance, condition monitoring, research and development, manufacturing process control, search and rescue, drug interdiction, navigation, transportation safety, border and maritime patrol, environmental monitoring, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives (CBRNE) detection. Visit the Company's web site at www.FLIR.com.