We’re excited to announce that WaikatoLink and Parkable have partnered to develop next generation parking management tech using machine learning and computer vision on the edge. WaikatoLink is developing a computer vision model for processing video images, which will be integrated into Parkable’s existing car park management software to record occupancy.

What does that mean in practice? With vision software, you could implement a camera that senses the presence of vehicles, tracking how many parking spots are available in real time. 

This is a technological solution aimed at small and medium municipal and private car park owners, with the potential to dramatically change the price point for car park management. Instead of existing in-ground technology (e.g. parking sensors), the new system will process video data in real-time, monitor multiple parking bays at once, and run on several inexpensive computers, removing the need for high bandwidth, expensive servers and cloud processing. 

This technology is being developed by researchers from University of Waikato’s machine learning group, using world-leading methods and technologies that enable machine-vision and machine-learning algorithms to operate in real-time on low-cost ‘edge’ hardware.

For further information please contact Shlok Kant shlok@waikatolink.co.nz or Matt McMahon mmcmahon@waikatolink.co.nz

The Weka Workbench

The Weka Workbench is among the most popular machine learning frameworks in the world. It was developed by computer scientists at the University of Waikato and is used by entry-level data scientists and large multinationals alike, in applications from business intelligence to robotics. It contains a collection of data pre-processing tools and machine learning algorithms wrapped up in an easy-to-use graphical interface.

Weka is a great example of commercial open source software. By choosing a commercial open source model, WaikatoLink has made the software freely available to non-commercial users while generating revenue from issuing paid licenses to commercial users. This revenue helps to support research and continues to improve the platform.

Find out more about Weka here: https://www.cs.waikato.ac.nz/ml/weka/

Evironmental scientists and monitoring agencies analyse water samples to understand our climate, ecology, and the impact of industrialisation and human action on our environment. However, our understanding is limited by our ability to gather frequent and high-quality water samples, which are costly and time-consuming to collect.

The University of Waikato has developed the SYP Automatic Fluid Sampler, purpose-built for the requirements of field-active climate scientists, environmental researchers and water monitoring agencies. University researcher, Dr Adam Hartland, is using the device to build models that can better predict weather patterns and climate conditions. The device allows Adam and his team to conduct rigorous research in new, remote areas.

The prototype unit is in field testing and delivers:

• Reliable collection and storage of up to 58 discrete, silicon-sealed samples
• Up to 12 months of continuous operation using AA batteries
• Gravity-fed or pumped sample collection
• Concurrent data logging of temperature, pressure, humidity, full vial events
• Easy transport by disassembly into two halves. Custom carry-bags available.
• Easy set-up and configuration using an intuitive smartphone app
• Highly programmable sampling schedules based on time or sensor data

The device will be ready for manufacture and sale in Q4 2020. For pre-orders and further information contact Doug Hillyer dhillyer@waikatolink.co.nz or Matt McMahon mmcmahon@waikatolink.co.nz

First Watch, jointly owned by WaikatoLink and Combined Technology Ltd (CTEK), was launched late last year to protect industrial control networks from cyber attacks. Because these networks were not originally intended to be connected to the Internet, they have multiple entry points for hackers and, therefore, are susceptible to security breaches. Because some of these systems control critical infrastructure, like water systems and manufacturing plants, the effects of security breaches have the potential to be very serious. Researchers from the University of Waikato working with WaikatoLink built a cybersecurity software suite to address this problem.

The project received PreSeed funding from KiwiNet and investment from WaikatoLink and CTEK. Relationships built in Asia-Pacific helped First Watch secure seed round funding from among others SingTel Innov8 and NUS Singapore.

The Hamilton-based company has a team of 10, which is developing the product and securing pilots in dairy and critical infrastructure plants locally and in Asia-Pacific. The first commercial product is due to be launched in April 2021. The University of Waikato continues to provide R&D for First Watch, researching the next generation of the product.