Driving Innovation at the Edge: Chuck Gershman on AI, Silicon and Safer Autonomous Vehicles

In this episode of "Beyond the Clouds: Edge-to-edge Transformation," Chuck Gershman, a seasoned entrepreneur and technology innovator, shares insights into his latest venture and the evolving landscape of autonomous technology. Gershman, who co-founded Owl AI with partner Gene Petilli, delves into the company's mission to enhance vehicular safety through advanced thermal imaging and AI-driven perception software. His passion for technology and innovation is evident as he recounts his three-decade career spanning semiconductors, IoT, and networking, both in digital and analog realms.

Owl AI's breakthrough lies in its unique integration of thermal night vision systems with AI-based analysis to preemptively identify and avoid potential road hazards, particularly in challenging visibility conditions. Gershman highlights alarming statistics: annually, 1.4 million fatalities in road accidents, half involving pedestrians, predominantly occurring at night. The company's efforts align with emerging regulations in the U.S. and EU, mandating enhanced night-time pedestrian detection in vehicles.

Testing their systems rigorously, Owl AI demonstrates superior performance in avoiding accidents compared to existing vehicle technologies. Gershman also discusses the challenges and nuances of developing automotive-specific thermal imaging solutions, emphasizing the need for high resolution, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing computer vision systems.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, Gershman shares that this is his fifth startup, with previous ventures including a sale to Intel and innovations widely used in sports broadcasting. His drive comes from a desire to contribute positively and innovate continuously. Gershman emphasizes the importance of adapting to change, building a solid company foundation, and fostering a strong culture. He advocates for STEM education and encourages students to align their careers with future technological trends.

Addressing broader technology trends, Gershman sees the evolution of tech as cyclical, akin to fashion trends, where old concepts often resurface with new applications. He remains cautiously optimistic about the future of AI, seeing it as a toolset that will evolve gradually rather than revolutionize overnight.

Interviewer Shankar Hemmady is founder and CEO of Blue Horizons, a San Francisco based company focused on the last-mile problem of Generative AI based solutions in two vertical B2B markets. Their team has significant expertise in Generative AI, AI-ML, Blockchain, 5G-6G, Cloud and Edge computing, 3D-IC, RISC-V, Cybersecurity and Functional Safety. Over the past 25 years, Shankar conceived, invested in, marketed and delivered several new products primarily in three verticals: electronic design automation, biotechnology and education. Most of them involved applying new hardware and software paradigms, especially AI.