RealNetworks wins facial recognition and AI analytics contract with US Air Force

Safr from RealNetworks has earned its third Small Business Research Innovation (SBIR) deal from the United States Air Force (USAF) to enable the extension of Safr AI-powered analytics, including facial recognition, to unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The UGVs would be used to reduce risks in perimeter protection and domestic emergency medical services (EMS) search and rescue missions. In a news release, the company said the contract will help improve its platform to be able to operate on an NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier-based UGV system, with the goal of reducing the risk service members face as the Safr-enhanced UGVs will be able to detect unauthorized persons in restricted areas with face biometrics. "As a USAF military working dog handler, I have employed canines in various environments fulfilling the multi-use role of detection and deterrence. The ability to utilize UGV systems to augment K9 teams during work/rest cycles, or as an additional force, broadens security in-depth and allows operations to continue unhindered," said Air Force Technical Sergeant Dustin Cain, Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of Police Services, 366th Security Forces Squadron, Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.