Southfield-based Denso Invests in California Computer Vision Startup

1472

Denso International America, Inc., a global Tier 1 supplier with its North American headquarters in Southfield, has entered into an investment agreement with Thinci Inc., an El Dorado Hills, Calif.-based startup that is developing technology that enables deep learning and vision processing in the automotive industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

With the investment, Denso plans to accelerate the final development and integration of Thinci’s silicon and software technology, which replicates human vision to process large amounts of data, into electronic systems that help enable driver assistance and autonomous driving, improve the efficiency of thermal systems, and optimize the productivity of vehicle powertrains.

“Denso has been researching new developments in the area of computer vision processing,” says Tony Cannestra, director of corporate ventures for Denso International America. “We strongly believe that Thinci’s technology will soon become a key component of next generation autonomous driving systems that require advanced computing techniques combined with deep learning capabilities.”

Thinci’s technology can be integrated into a variety of applications, including advanced driver assistance systems in automobiles, personal electronics, and smart home automation systems.

Denso employs more than 17,000 people at 32 consolidated companies and affiliates in North America. The company’s North American consolidated sales were $7.9 billion for the fiscal year ending in March 2014.