Guardian Optical Technologies has announced that it has raised $2.5 million in funding from Union Ventures, B&E Equities, and several other private investors. This investment is part of a pre-B round totaling $5.6 million that will be used for expanding the company’s research and development team. The funding will be used to serve Guardian Optical’s expanding customer base and support existing projects.
Guardian Optical specializes in creating “passenger aware” vehicles, which is becoming increasingly more important as autonomous vehicles will become ubiquitous. And Guardian Optical’s sensors provide 2D, 3D, and motion analysis in the vehicles to protect drivers and passengers by scanning and tracking the entire interior of the cabin. The company has just one sensor to monitor the entire interior to detect the slightest movement and softest heartbeat to prevent dangerous human errors.
This optical technology also works with a car’s seatbelts and airbags to sound immediate alerts. And it utilizes machine learning, computer vision algorithms, advanced optics, and “big data” analysis.
“Technology that creates passenger-aware vehicles can increase the safety of an automobile exponentially by alerting and warning passengers to take action and alerting the vehicle itself to take action,” said Guardian Optical CEO Gil Dotan in a statement. “Our focus here at Guardian is to provide an uncompromisingly robust sensing ability that would also extend far beyond the safety features. Our vision to challenge the borders of human machine interface for better user experience, convenience and mobility services.”
Guardian Optical’s sensors were built from the ground up to work with automotive hardware and software. And its sensors empower car manufacturers to build safer vehicles at lower costs by eliminating the need to install multiple sensors throughout the car.
“We are experiencing one of the largest changes in the automotive world, with AI-technology that is powering all aspects of the automobile,” added Union Investments analyst Saar Lavi. “As vehicles get more sophisticated, the safety and experience provided to passengers should be just as advanced. Guardian Optical Technologies provides a unique safety solution that could transform the way passenger interact and are protected by the vehicle itself.”
