The Bosch Building Technologies division is partnering with AnyVision Interactive Technologies Ltd. and acquiring a 9 percent stake in the Israeli AI-based person- and object-recognition start-up. 

The companies are not disclosing the purchase price. Signed on June 18, 2018, the agreement provides for both the acquisition of a stake by Bosch and a sales and technology partnership. 

“In the market for IP video surveillance, one of the main USPs of Bosch Building Technologies is intelligent video analytics, which allows video data to be interpreted quickly and simply,” said Bernhard Schuster. “AnyVision’s innovative technology, which makes it possible to identify persons and objects from various angles, will be a significant addition to the portfolio of solutions we already offer as a result of IP partnerships in this area.” Bernhard Schuster’s responsibilities within the executive management of Bosch Building Technologies include marketing and sales, as well as the global Security and Safety Systems business. 

“This three-part agreement is an important step in our mission to shape the future of AI, and we are proud to have the Bosch Building Technologies division as our partner as we aim to create a safer and better tomorrow,” said Eylon Etshtein, the AnyVision co-founder and CEO.

Set up in 2015 and headquartered in Tel Aviv, AnyVision currently employs 100 associates globally and is a provider of self-learning, AI-based person- and object-recognition software. Unlike conventional solutions in this field, AnyVision’s software is a plug-and-play solution for new and existing systems that overcomes challenges such as occlusions, different angles of view, and poor light conditions, the company described. Among other things, it can be used to find and identify missing or wanted objects or persons in large crowds, to support the work of authorities such as the police, and to optimize processes. 

As part of the agreed sales partnership, video security solutions offered by Bosch in the future will include the AnyVision software as an option. “Our customers around the world are increasingly asking for ways of integrating person- and object-recognition software into our video security systems, Schuster said. “Collaboration with AnyVision will allow us to fulfill this customer wish even better and offer an enhanced package of solutions.” 

Over the medium term, the two companies aim to work together to add further features to this technical solution. For this purpose, the agreement they have signed also includes a technology partnership.