Microsoft is using its Azure platform to help Israeli start-up Agent Factory enable smart logistics with 3D vision technologies.

Agent Factory has joined Microsoft’s Azure Depth Platform programme, aimed at democratising cloud connected 3D sensing. In this collaboration, Agent Factory leverages 3D sensing technologies from Microsoft in its AI products to advance automation, digitalisation and optimisation of logistics operations.

Building fully automated warehouse and logistics from the ground-up is rarely an option for many companies. This is where Agent Factory’s smart logistics come in, allowing companies of all sizes to harness the power of AI and 3D sensing. This is deployed without a significant up-front investment, and integrates seamlessly with existing workflows.

Agent Factory leverages Microsoft’s IoT edge platform to provide easy-to-deploy and secure on-premises components that allow fast near-real-time intelligent processing of captured 3D data. Key information is relayed to Azure Cloud for more advanced processing, storage and retrieval.

“We designed our solution using a hybrid approach combining Microsoft Azure IoT edge platform with the intelligent cloud,” said Avihai Lifschitz, chief scientist of Agent Factory. “It allows us to perform initial processing on large amounts of data while forwarding a fraction of the data to the cloud for more advanced analysis.”

Boaz Ein-Gil, Agent Factory’s CEO, added: “There are many opportunities to improve logistics workflows ranging from better tracking of freights to automating placement and retrieval. Microsoft’s 3D sensing technology allows fast high fidelity visual signal acquisition in a reliable manner, that goes beyond any traditional computer vision alternatives.”

Agent Factory recently completed a successful PoC with Aleh-Aleh, an Israeli grower and distributor of fresh agricultural products. In this PoC, freight measurement is performed on-the-fly while forklifts move fresh produce into the warehouse.

“We are delighted that Agent Factory is part of our Azure Depth Platform programme, combining our 3D vision technology with Microsoft Azure, to efficiently solve real world problems,” said Cyrus Bamji, partner hardware architect at Microsoft. “We are looking forward to scaling and expanding the target industries and scenarios with more from Agent Factory and other ISVs.”

Agent Factory brings AI technology to business problems. It helps companies large and small harness the power of AI to advance their business. In the logistics space, using 3D sensing, location and historical data it can improve throughput, efficiency and top- and bottom-line results for its customers.