Following up on a strategic partnership launched the middle of last year, Doosan Bobcat North America now announced a strategic equity investment with Ainstein AI, Inc., a startup radar technologies company located in Lawrence, Kansas, to continue the development of next-generation radar sensor systems for Bobcat equipment solutions.
The radar system developed by Ainstein collects object position data — such as range, azimuth, elevation and doppler information — to provide real-time alerts to operators by incorporating a combination of mmWave radar, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence. The technology will enable obstacle avoidance solutions and future technologies that support autonomous operations. Doosan Bobcat North America and Ainstein plan to further collaborate to create next-generation radar sensor solutions to detect objects on jobsites when using Bobcat equipment.
"Radar sensor technology is a key component of our innovation accelerated strategy and ensures Bobcat provides the most productive machinery on any work site," said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation at Doosan Bobcat. "Radar will enhance equipment performance and provide our customers with optimal productivity and the ultimate operator experience through sensor technology. Our investment with Ainstein allows us to work more closely to provide numerous solutions to our customers."
Doosan Bobcat announced a strategic partnership with Ainstein in June 2020 to identify forward-looking solutions to help equipment owners and operators maximize productivity, efficiency and safety through innovation and technology. This latest strategic investment is designed to generate several shared-value benefits between the companies and customers.
"The investment from Doosan Bobcat is a validation of our technology and leadership position in next-generation sensor development," said Andrew Boushie, vice president of strategy and partnerships at Ainstein. "We are so thrilled to work with a strong, internationally recognized brand like Bobcat. Together, we can advance technology that will benefit our companies and industry."
Doosan Bobcat's investment in Ainstein AI comes at the completion of a Series A funding round. The investment agreement was finalized in December 2020.